Amazing 4 months in Barcelona through CEA! Past Review
By amanda p (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/27/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain
I learned a lot about different cultures and also grew greatly as a person. It was extremely worth while.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took all Spanish classes and found them to be great. Class sizes were really small, which helped me learn better and allowed me to get really close to my classmates and teachers (who were awesome!!!) |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
CEA placed myself and my four roommates in a beautiful apartment in the wonderful neighborhood of Gracia. We were placed two min. from a metro station and loved our residential block of town. |
* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated within the local culture. CEA had a couple of informational mandatory meetings that explained the local people of Barcelona, which were very helpful. Also the teachers were amazing at explaining certain cultural aspects that may have been different or confusing. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the hospital twice during my stay abroad, and found the healthcare system extremely efficient and accessible. CEA told me to go to certain hospitals with English speaking doctors who were so nice and helpful. |
* Safety: |
I felt very safe in Barcelona. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150/200 US dollars |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Upper level Spanish classes |
How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | N/a |