Semester in Barcelona Past Review
By Alethea D (International Relations & Political Science, Wellesley College) for
CIEE: Barcelona - Advanced Liberal Arts
Yes, definitely. There are just aspects I would have changed, particularly after hearing about other students' experiences.
Personal Information
If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Sociology of Law, International Protection of Human Rights, Economic Policy |
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had an unpleasant experience in terms of academics. CIEE did not accurately advise me and I ended up taking classes that were way beyong my level. Professors in the university are not very accessible. The work load was managable--only final exams--though this puts a lot of stress at the end of the semester. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CIEE's Barcelona program was not as well prepared for the Advanced Liberal Arts (ALA) program as I was expecting. I believe this was either their first or second time having an ALA program in addition to the regular Liberal Arts program, and from what I understand the other was much more pleasant to participate in. I was allowed to enroll in classes that were too advanced for me--for instance, I took a third-year law course. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed with a woman, her boyfriend, and her cousin in an apartment across the street from the Arc de Triomf. I loved the family and the location. We later moved to an apartment further north, in an area called Gracia. I enjoyed being able to live in two different neighborhoods in Barcelona (though the moving part was a little inconvenient). They were wonderful people and great cooks! I did not have to bring anything and they provided all my meals. |
* Food: |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
* Safety: |
|
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I felt fairly well prepared in terms of expenses. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 242 |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Language acquisition improvement? |
I loved living with a host family. This was my major source of practice. The program's attempts at organizing events with both Spanish and American students was not particularly effective. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|