Barcelona was a Life Changing Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The methods were definitely different from PC. There was a stricter attendance policy. If we missed more than two classes, our grade dropped a half a point. This was more severe than PC.

On-site administration of your program

The program's strengths were the on-site classes that the program provided. I felt like I learned a lot through the field trips and was able to learn about Spain. I think that the program size was just right with just over 100 students. It was small enough that I was able to get to know and meet many new students without being overwhelmed. The programs weakness were its lack of good locations to study.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I originally did not want to live in a home stay. However, I thoroughly enjoyed living with a host family and truly believe it aided me in becoming fully immersed in the Spanish culture. It also aided my language skills tremendously. I felt safe in the family's apartment and did not need to purchase sheets or any home goods. I was fortunate enough to save a lot of money because my host mother cooked breakfast and dinner for me and did my laundry. I was treated very well my my host family which consisted of my host mother (widowed) and her daughter. They were very kind people and treated me very well.

I ate most of my food in my home stay which consisted of a lot of chicken, ham, and vegetables. I was overall very satisfied because my house mother was a very good cook.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are so many things to do in Barcelona, including the nightlife, the beach, walking down Las Ramblas etc. I was never bored and always kept busy.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I overall felt safe during my time in Barcelona. It is a city so you always have to be mindful especially when traveling alone. I did not have any incidents, luckily. I had strep throat while I was in Spain and my program set up an appointment with a doctor in a medical clinic. The doctor only spoke some English but I was able to communicate with him. I had no issues with the healthcare even though it is very different from the United States. I did not need any vaccines for my program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I took Beginner Spanish while I was in Barcelona. I spoke it during class but I also spoke only Spanish in my home stay. My host family did not speak any English so therefore I did speak Spanish in my everyday interactions. Most people did speak Spanish.

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• Apartment
• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students