Barcelona: Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Finance and IB, Villanova University) for

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I absolutely loved my time abroad. While there were things I disliked about my program, it didn't hinder my overall experience and I would do it all over again if I could. After taking many International courses I realized how much I enjoyed International Business and am currently double majoring in it. Studying abroad opened my eyes to other cultures and in the future I will definitely travel throughout Europe and visit the countries I wasn't able to see.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I sometimes felt that the workload was too much for an abroad program. Some of the classes were pretty intense and required a lot of work which I wasn't prepared for. I also felt that some of the teachers were really tough graders. I didn't like that many of the classes required projects, final papers and final exams. I thought that all three or two of the three were too much when they required a lot of work

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought the staff was really helpful and kind. Some of the professors were great while others were lacking, especially in the classes at the Spanish university. They were able to provide us with a lot of helpful information and resources. The program size was perfect, not too small and not too large and my expectations were met. I wish we were given more information before hand though because I felt very in the dark about everything before I left.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residencia where I had my own individual room and bathroom and shared a kitchen area with my hallmates. I felt very safe there because you had to swipe in and they were very strict with guests. It was close to the metro stop and walking distance from some of my classes. It wasn't the nicest area and didn't have the greatest restaurants or bars but there was a fun club very near by. They give you sheets, pillows, towels, cookware etc. I liked that we had a cleaning service to clean our rooms every week.

* Food:

Since I lived in a residencia I had to cook my own meals or purchase my own food. I felt I missed out on some good food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The nightlife in Barcelona was amazing. There was always something to do and we always had so much fun. Barcelona had a few cultural fairs and parades which were really fun and interesting. Our program arranged a few day trips and weekend trips which were really fun and paid for already. I wish they had organized more trips throughout Spain

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

In terms of healthcare I didn't like how you had to make an appointment and pay for it. The doctor also spoke little English. I felt safe where I was living and where I went to school but Barcelona can be a scary city, especially at night and I had heard of many incidents taking place. I was robbed at one point during my trip which scared me. Overall I mostly felt safe but students should exercise caution, always travel in groups and keep their purses close the them.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

A lot of natives spoke English which was surprising but try and speak Spanish to the natives, waiters, clerks, anyone that will speak with you

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the trips
  • cultural opportunities
  • helpful staff
* What could be improved?
  • lack of class options
  • spanish classes
  • workload
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would urge anyone to study abroad, whether it be Barcelona or not. I absolutely loved my experience abroad and Barcelona was an amazing city. I learned so much, met so many people and traveled throughout Europe. Any student that likes to have fun and appreciates culture would really enjoy Barcelona.