Barcelona: the ride of a lifetime Past Review
By Jaclyn L (Social Work., Providence College) for
CIEE: Barcelona - Language and Culture
My study abroad experience was beyond worthwhile. I still cannot stop talking about it, and really don't think I ever will. From my experience, I gained a much greater understanding of the Spanish culture and its people. I loved their way of life, and now understand how much different it is from America. My abroad experience has definitely made me a more outgoing person and has certainly broadened my horizons. I no longer feel as if I look at things with a narrow mind. Instead, I find myself exploring all the possibilities. I also feel as if I am much more laid back. While in Europe I found myself just rolling with the punches, whereas at home I would normally have everything scheduled to the minute. Since I've been home, I have yet to set a schedule.
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. |
I was lucky to have amazing teachers both within my program and at the local university. While the schooling was much different than America, it was a great experience overall and I took a lot of knowledge and information from the classes. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CIEE has exceeded my expectations. Going into the program, I knew that I would leave Spain loving the city and the program, however, I never thought that it would be as amazing as it was for me. The program directors and faculty held many programs that helped us explore the city and all it had to offer. They were always encouraging travel and getting lost in the city. They were extremely familiar with America and extremely passionate about Barcelona. THe program size was perfect. Only 13 students were in the Language and Culture program and that was the perfect size. I walked away being close to each and every one of them including our director. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The residencia I was placed in (Melon District Marina) was absolutely beautiful and was the perfect set up. The neighborhood was great, and fairly quiet. It was only about a 10 minute walk to the local university and a quick metro ride or 25 minute walk to the program classes. It was extremely clean and we were given everything we needed in terms of sheets, towels, and cookingware. The maid service on Friday changed our sheets and towels and cleaned the entire room. It was a great set up and I was able to meet a ton of other students who I am now extremely close to. |
| * Food: |
I was able to cook for myself which was perfect considering I have a strong allergy to dairy products. Our residencia was placed in a great location in terms of places to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The social experiences were absolutely amazing. The different excursions planned for us by our program were awesome and allowed us to see all different parts of Barcelona and its culture. The many trips we were able to take around Europe were awesome as well and cheap which allowed for us to take more than anticipated. The trip to Madrid set up by CIEE was one of the most memorable weekends I had. I was able to bond with my program and really see such a beautiful city and all it had to offer. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
While Barcelona is known for pick-pocketing, the city itself was safe. I never felt afraid walking alone, even at night, or even taking the metro alone at night. The program had many different discussions on safety within the city and while traveling abroad throughout europe. I had no issues with healthcare. |
| 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? | school supplies |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Luckily, I took a language course Monday - Thursday. Within the classroom we were only allowed to speak in Spanish. Both our teacher at the university and our director at our program set up intercambio sessions which were held a couple times a month and allowed us to speak with other local students. While many people in the city spoke English, I found it easier and more respectful to use the native language. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would tell future students to do everything that they were able to do. Do not let anything hold you back and take advantage of every opportunity given because it flies so quickly, and before you know it you're back in America. You're not in America, so do not live as cautiously as you would as if you were home. It is a different experience that may not seem all that great at first, but after some time you will realize that it will be the most amazing experience of your life. A student who is outgoing and adventurous would benefit most. Someone who likes the social aspects of culture and is ready to meet amazing new friends. |
