Barcelona: A Cultural Immersion Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was a bit more than I expected for a study abroad term but it still wan't ridiculously impossible. The classes are conducted in a seminar style which lead to more in depth and entertaining learning experiences. I liked the educational experience overall.

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff on-site is absolutely amazing. The second time I walked into their office every single person knew my name and remembered who I was (a great feat considering the number of participants in the program). They legitimately care about the students and go out of their way to make sure we have the best possible experience. They welcome any problems or concerns you may have and do everything and anything to solve it. They are top-notch!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay was centrally located so getting around the city by walking or by metro was not an issue. The only thing that I had to purchase was internet (some homestays provide this). My host family treated me as a guest at first but the more we became comfortable and acclimated with each other I became part of the family. I love them and miss them dearly. I walked to class everyday and the nightlife was right up the road.

The first night my host family asked me and my roommate what we liked and didn't like. I don't like fish (which is a biggie in Spain) so my host family did not cook fish while I was with them. I told them that I would try it so they cooked it one night. If we liked a meal they cooked it again and if we didn't like a meal we never saw it again. They also understood what food American students typically liked and tried to throw some of that in with typical cultural cuisine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think that the program did a great job on the excursions to give us the "best of" of where ever we were. The ISA on-site staff was also super knowledgeable about the city and any other notable places around Barcelona and in Spain in general.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The safety in Barcelona was at an expected level. Barcelona is known for its pickpockets and ISA did a lot of prep work for us to make us knowledgeable about safety. I felt safer in Barcelona than my city (Norfolk) in the U.S. In regards to health issues, I did get a pretty bad flu while I was in Spain. ISA was super helpful about sending me to a doctor that usually sees American students and could speak English and Spanish. They offered to accompany me to the doctors office if I didn't want to go alone and helped me with the insurance paperwork.

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

Most people in the tourist areas spoke English but other than that I had to rely on my Spanish to get along. My teachers were excellent about encouraging us to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and helping learn relevant Spanish to interact with the locals.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Excursions
• Homestay Family
• On-site Staff

• More activities in Barcelona
• Make the location of the office better known
• All homes should have internet because it is needed for school