Barcelona, Best Semester of College Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was easier than my home university's. I enjoyed this because it gave me more time to experience the Spanish culture, to travel and visit the sights. The teachers were all great, very knowledgeable and because of the small class sizes, very easy to get support from.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty was great, and easy to reach. Administrators were easy to access and would help you with questions about where to eat, what places to visit and how to travel around Europe. They supported us with anything and everything.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family took care of everything. I received two meals a day (breakfast and dinner) and had a fridge to put food in if I wanted to eat lunch at home or snack. My clothes were washed for me and my room was cleaned weekly. I was not allowed visitors unless first asking my Senior, but honestly that was ok, because I would rather go out around the city with my friends. I was treated as a guest by my family. They were always kind and interested in what I was doing.

Food in Barcelona is amazing. However, if you are on a student budget like I was, it is important to find good and fresh cheap restaurants. It is easy to buy really bland cheap sandwiches at many cafes. So I would recommend looking around and finding tasty places to eat. Portions are smaller than in America.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During our second week, we went on a field trip to Costa Brava. This was amazing because it allowed us to see a beautiful part of Catalonia and to get to know our fellow students. One of the highlights of the program. IES also had weekly events that students could sign up for, from soccer games, movie nights, and anything else you can think of. I was able to play soccer with students which was organized by one of the RA's.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Barcelona itself is a safe city. During our week long orientation, the program educated us on Barcelona culture, where not to go at night and what to be prepared for. We also received e-mails in reference to any possible safety issues such as strikes. Barcelona has one of the highest pick pocketing rates in Europe. However, these thieves are not the thugs seen in the states, who hold you up with violence. Mostly, they are professionals, who rob you before you notice something's gone. My advice is to make sure you are always in contact with your backpack. For guys, keep your wallet in your front pocket. For girls, don't put down your purse unless you have your hand through the look.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I took an intensive spanish class, which was great because it was only 7 of us. I also lived in a home stay, which gave me the opportunity to speak spanish at home. The program was also designed to force us to go out through out Barcelona to explore and interact with the people, through organized activities.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family