Past Review
By Benjamin F (Accounting, Providence College) for
CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself and individuality along with gaining a broader perspective on the world and other cultures. I learned how to fend for myself, but also make friends with students from all over the world.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Escola Superior de Comerc Internacional - Universitat Pompeu Fabra |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was academically challenging and I learned a lot from my classes. The teachers wanted students to be challenged and put a lot of time and effort into their studies. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was almost always available to help you with any problems. They had a 24 hour cell phone emergency number to call with any emergencies and were always available for advising and suggestions. They also organized many different trips and fun excursions to do on the weekends. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
An apartment near Sagrada Familia on Carrer Valencia. It had 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and dining room. <br /><br /> My host family always had food for me and always wanted to engage me in conversation to make me feel at home. They would also suggest places for me to go and areas around the city I should visit. |
| * Food: |
The food my homestay family made was almost always good. Usually it was a seafood dish or meat dish with either rice, potatoes, or vegetables. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met people from all over the world that I never would have met, gone places I never would have gone, and done things I never would have done. It was a fantastic social and cultural experience. There was a five day long festival that had many cultural foods, customs, dances, and parades. It was fun and very memorable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Barcelona is a safe city if you are smart about it. I walked alone almost all the time during the day, but at night it is more wise to take taxis or at least walk with friends. It is also very important to be aware and conscious of your surroundings. It is easy to detect a potential area or situation that might be dangerous. However, for the most part the city is well lit, there are almost always people on the street, and you can feel safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you live in the dorms, food becomes very expensive because you have to buy or cook all your own meals. Transportation can also be expensive for many students if you live far away from the University. A monthly metro pass is 47 Euros. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I took two classes in Spanish, so I definitely learned a lot more Spanish and was forced to speak it. Also, I lived with a host family that didn't speak any English at all, so that forced me to speak Spanish whenever I was at home. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The CIEE business and culture program is a great program. They are very accomodating to your needs and preferences and do the best they can to make your study abroad experience a good one. The university where you study at is challenging, but you learn a lot. Don't expect the studies to be easy because if you want good grades, you have to put in a lot of effort. Barcelona is a fantastic city to study abroad in. There is so much to do, the food is excellent, and the social life is one of the best in Europe. The surrounding region in Spain is also great to travel in and there are so many places to go to within a couple hours of the city. |
