An Incredible Experience in Barcelona October 17, 2022
By Sydni B (Economics, Cornell University) - abroad from 01/03/2022 to 04/10/2022 with
CIEE: Barcelona - Language and Culture
It was great to be in a completely new environment and exposed to new ideas, classes, cultures, and people. It allowed me to learn a lot about a new country and what it takes to adapt to new environments. The experience was definitely worthwhile and an amazing decision.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The CIEE programming was organized and the staff was very friendly. The courses were all exciting and allowed me to learn a lot, while still leaving time to explore the amazing city. I took four classes and enjoyed them all. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The guidance and information provided to us allowed us to quickly adapt to the new city. There was flexibility to explore and be independent. while there also being opportunities provided to meet new people such as events and trips. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with 5 people and we were right near the Sagrada Familia. The apartment was great and in a good location! |
| * Food: |
I loved being able to try different foods and found great restaurants to try through recommendations and exploring. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were a lot of ways to get involved with the local culture and I think taking language as one of my classes really contributed to my feeling of integration. I was able to communicate with people around me in Spanish and learn more about the culture. I think integration with local culture really depends on the person studying abroad and how much they aim to interact with local people and ideas. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think we were provided with good information in order to stay safe in Barcelona, protecting ourselves, others, and our belongings. Be sure to keep your items close to you at all times and tucked away, while also always being aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, meet amazing friends, and go on numerous adventures. I made so many amazing memories and would definitely recommend the experience. I loved the independence of being in an incredible, new city, while also feeling very supported and comfortable. |
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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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 |
I think that by having Spanish every day, we were encouraged to continue developing and using the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Continue to speak the language outside of just class time. Try to speak to people on transportation, in restaurants, and on the street in Spanish before automatically switching to English. |
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? | I was a little hesitant before going abroad about what the experience would be like but I am now so happy that I went. My biggest takeaway would be how helpful recommendations regarding classes, places to eat, experiences, and traveling can be. |
