Amazing and Memorable June 29, 2026
By Amaris G (Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/07/2026 to 04/25/2026 with
CIEE: Barcelona - Economics and Culture
Yes it was 100% worthwhile. I gained so much independence and confidence navigating a new country. I also got to witness other forms of living and careers in Spain that are very appealing to me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no experiences with healthcare |
| * Safety: |
Many students were pickpocketed |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
CIEE gave me the perfect work life balance. I learned so much in the classes while still having so much time to explore Spain. CIEE also offers so many events that integrate you and allow you to meet people, I met some of my best friends attending CIEE events |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | around $100-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Groceries are cheaper and last longer than eating out! Public transporation is also affordable and saves moves. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 249 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to order in spanish or at stores. Try to meet locals and practice |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Definitely more info on the housing, especially access to apartments were in way better locations. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
