Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most amazing experience I could have asked for Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 04/29/2017 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Spanish culture and how America is so different, which seems obvious, but when you learn why we're the way we are and they're the way they are it is so much more worthwhile. I learned a ton about myself like what kind of traveler I am, how to cope with unexpected situations and how to adapt to completely new experiences. Being abroad, especially in Barcelona, was nothing I can ever perfectly describe to someone and I couldn't be more grateful that I go to do something like this.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CEA classes were definitely not the most rigorous ones I've ever taken, but I learned so much more about Spanish culture and honestly American culture than I ever would have imagined. As for the resources CEA offers, they could not be more helpful for any needs you may have during your abroad experience, academically or personally.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Absolutely loved my apartment. I was located in Gracia in a beautiful modern apartment. I loved being a little bit further from the city center and being able to explore a different part of Barcelona. If you don't end up living in Gracia, you must go explore the neighborhood.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

CEA was unbelievably helpful when I needed to find a dermatologist in Barcelona. I thought it was going to be impossible, but they got me an appointment for the next day. And with the insurance they provide it was free! Amazing set up they have going on.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Barcelona. I also never got pick pocketed, but I do know it happens to many people. Just be aware of your surroundings and be smart especially in the touristy places that are really crowded.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

I consider Barcelona relatively cheap compared to America and most European cities. There are definitely more expensive restaurants, but I would eat out most days for lunch and make dinner most nights so it was easy to keep spending low. Also the shopping here is crazy cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I didn't have this problem, but the rest of my roommates would get major charges for taking money out of their accounts so if possible try taking out a lot of cash at once and use it sparingly so you don't have to constantly take money out and get charged. A lot of places take card which was good. Don't even try to bring an Amex; a lot of places don't take it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Accommodating staff
  • True integration
* What could be improved?
  • Difficulty of couses
  • Higher standards for accepting students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I honestly can't think of anything I wish I knew, CEA did an amazing job of giving us any possible information we could need before coming abroad.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.