Barcelona: A Great Introduction to Life Abroad Past Review

By (Economics., Harvard University) for

CIEE: Barcelona - Summer Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I might choose a program with more flexibility for traveling on weekends, but on the whole I had a very rewarding experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of class time. Work wasn't overly difficult, but there was a lot of it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They're helicopter administrators. Can't let you be college students. They micro-manage everything to a negative extent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host mom was an unbelievable cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great kids, great city. I highly recommend Montserrat, Montjuic, and all the usual aspects of Barcelona.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Don't go on Las Ramblas at night alone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Host family, other students, teacher. I did use the language in every day interactions, although a lot of people also did speak English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Come with an open mind. You get as much out of the experience as you try to.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Past and Present in Barcelona

Course Department: HIST 3001 BARU
Instructor: Roser Bosch
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Wasn't challenging, but it made great use of location and had a lot of relevant, interesting field trips. The teacher was well prepared, and class participation was frequent.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems so far.