Barcelona : The best city in the world that never sleeps Past Review

By (Advertising & Public Relations, University of Tampa) for

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the phrase "no pasa nada" (basically no worries) is a way of life and that beauty is everywhere, as well as inspiration. Because of my experience abroad, I am currently saving money to attend portfolio school in europe in the future! : )

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Autonomous University of Barcelona
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.

the workload was good, fairly simple, pass/fail, teachers expected students to be self-starting, unlike in U.S.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA BARCELONA staff was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! They went above and beyond to help their students and were so nice! Expectations were exceeded!!!! : )

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love, love, loved my host mother Marta Fernandez Andujar! and my location was amazing, 5 minute walk to the Sagrada Familia , I didn't need to buy and items to settle in and I was treated by my host mom as a family member ! : )

* Food:

BO de B was a popular sandwich place i believe its by via olimpica , also Rosa de Raval and La Coronela.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

La Merce, the fountains at Montjuic, La Champanyeria, visit to Codorniu vineyard, Sitges, Dali museum in figueres, Parc Guell , Aquarium in Valencia

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Always keep an eye on your bag , don't travel late at night alone, healthcare was easily accessible with help from an ISA representative, no vaccines necessary

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Get an intercambio partner! BEST way! as well as living in a homestay ! Definitely needed some grasp of the language, but most people did speak english

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 did you like most about the program?
  • The SUPERB staff
  • The excursions were great as well
  • The availability of resources
* What could be improved?
  • More explanation of services like gyms or libraries
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Barcelona is amazing for those that appreciate Art and a bohemian lifestyle, unparalleled nightlife and a way of life that is relaxed and embraces the eccentric.