Past Review

By (Economics., The University of Texas at Austin) for

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the smartest/best decision I ever made. Everything about it made me a more interesting and worldly person from travelling to the international friends I made. It was the most incredible experience of my life and truly words dont describe it. I wish I could do it again!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall I think the program was fantastic! Everyone was very very helpful whether it was with help in Barcelona or travelling.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Marina Residencia it was located in the southeast part of town. <br /><br /> It was located close to the beach, the clubs, the center, and classes. It was in the most perfect location out of all the dorms.

* Food:

The schools food was good and cheap!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The GA system they had in Barcelona upon arriving was the MOST helpful part of the program. Breaking up a large group of people into groups of 7 with a student our age showing us around was the most helpful. He showed us everything we needed to know. He turned into one of my closest friends while I was abroad!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My experience was literally flawless! I love it!!!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No it was worth every single penny!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I didnt take a Spanish class before I left
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I unfortunately practiced most of my language skills in the classroom, outside of the classroom I really didnt need to use it too frequently. Most people didnt speak English in Barcelona so we made an effort to speak to them in Spanish and for the most part it worked out just fine.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? An open-minded student ready for the most amazing experience of his/her life

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Beginner Level Spanish

Course Department:
Instructor: Senorita Catalan
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was my favorite class! The teacher was fantastic, she was very passionate and helped all of us beginners learn a considerable amount of Spanish in a very short period of time.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International Economics

Course Department:
Instructor: Evans
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The teacher tended to be unfair and had a very backwards way of presenting the material to the students. I enjoyed this class the least.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International Marketing

Course Department:
Instructor: Jordi
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Catalunya and Spain Through the Arts

Course Department:
Instructor: Caterina Riba
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Accounting

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was the class that they mixed International students and Spanish students. The teacher didn't seem to have any control over the class and it was very difficult to pay attention.
Credit Transfer Issues: