The best few weeks of my college experience! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My educational experience was amazing. I learned a lot in the classroom with the professors, as well as a lot about the city itself through my program directors/resident director. Resources were always readily available.

On-site administration of your program

I wish there was a better word to use than "incredible" for my Resident Director for this program. She was absolutely incredible, and significantly contributed to my time abroad. She was wonderful at gibing advice on restaurants, how to pick up medicine at the store, and even answered my call from the U.S. when I had flight issues. She was able to assure me that I would be able to get my flight problems sorted, that she would help me in determining transportation once I landed in Barcelona, and answered the phone even when I called her at 3 am Spain time from a U.S airport.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was a super close walk to the Sant Pau campus. This made walking to and from class very pleasant because the commute did not take long, and I got to enjoy the sights during my walk. The apartment building was clean and organized. The rooms were a great, accommodating size. All of the appliances worked and were up to date.

The food was exceptional. There are so many options to choose from, and it was all at a good price.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in the city provided the best opportunity to experience the culture. The apartment complex is a block away from campus, across the street from a Metro stop, and there are shops, restaurants and bakeries every way you look. This made me feel very integrated with the local culture. All of the store owners and waiters/waitresses were friendly and helpful.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had caught bronchitis during my trip. When walking into a pharmacy, not speaking Spanish was a struggle. My resident director was able to give me suggestions on what to purchase and how to read labels, and compared medicine to what I would use at home. I did not need any vaccines prior to going to Barcelona, and there were no prevalent health issues at the time.

I felt incredibly safe while in Barcelona. I encountered friendly people, and even a few local people stopped to help me with directions and gave me recommendations. As always, it is a good idea to keep your purse and wallet concealed. While on a Metro, an employee walked around to inform people to hold on to their belongings to deter pickpockets.

AIFS was the best choice for this program. They organized my flight and transportation, arranged for me to live a block away from campus, across the street from a metro station, and in the heart of the city. My resident director was available for any questions, 24/7. The application process was very user friendly. The planned trips and excursions ensured I saw all major parts of the city and surrounding area.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Living on a student's budget was definitely possible. Besides gifts/souvenirs, I spent most of my money on food.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program encouraged the use of the language. The professors taught in English, but had an accent. I thought this was beneficial to the program and helped me in understanding many of the local people when we spoke.

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• Dorm

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Affordable
• Reliable
• Diverse

• Nothing

The Academic or Linguist