Amaze Yourself in Barcelona Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The staff at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona were really helpful to international students. The classes were challenging without being stressful and really allowed us to enjoy our entire experience rather than being worried about tests and schoolwork. The grading standards were similar to my home university but the test schedule was different as we only had midterms and finals.

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were very supportive while we were abroad and done with the initial orientation. We were always welcome to visit the office and were encouraged to come to them with any questions or concerns we had.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was very close to school and restaurants, grocery stores, and transportation. The neighborhood was very safe and we never had a problem in that area.

Living in an apartment, we were on our own when it came to purchasing food. My apartment was close to a grocery store and we were able to buy just about anything we needed there. I loved the food in Barcelona and fell in love with the idea of tapas.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My experience studying abroad with API in Barcelona, Spain was one of the most rewarding of my life. Choosing API was an easy decision as it was the most affordable program that did not skimp on providing the students with excellent cultural activities and amenities while abroad. From the pick up at airport upon arrival to Barcelona to the farewell dinner the API Barcelona staff were incredibly friendly and informative. Included with the program was an easy to use cell phone, a great apartment right near the school that included a weekly cleaning service, and fun activities with the entire student group. Right away we were taken on tours of the most popular parts of the city and were warned about places to stay away from. The staff explained the bus and metro system, telling us which passes to get and how best to get around the city. Throughout the program we went on amazing excursions to Sevilla, Bilbao and San Sebastian, and Costa Brava (all included!). Long weekends allowed us to take advantage of traveling throughout Europe, cheap flights and trains allowed me and my roommates to visit England, Ireland, France, Italy, Greece, and even Morocco! There were also great cultural activities right in the city such as a language exchange, traditional cooking class, and salsa dance lessons. The school housed in a part of a gorgeous UNESCO world heritage site minutes from La Sagrada Familia didn’t hurt either! Overall API provided an amazing study abroad experience and brought me cultural awareness, best friends I stay in touch with today, and lifelong memories of Spain and Europe that I will cherish forever.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Barcelona is a welcoming city to foreigners but can also be unsafe at times. Upon arrival the API staff warned us of dangerous areas as well as the most common form of theft--pick pocketing. With this knowledge I was able to not have any safety issues while abroad.

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

My Spanish teacher was very encouraging and taught us how to speak as the Spanish to. I practiced the language every day in shops, restaurants, and in cabs. It was a little difficult in Barcelona because we were learning Spanish but the major language in the city was Catalan. That was a bonus and now I know some Catalan as well as Spanish!

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• Barcelona
• traveling
• New friends

• housing