Past Review
By bulldozer (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., Rice University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
It was absolutely worth it. At first, I was intimidated by the level of language fluency required in this program, but now I am generally fluent in Spanish and I even understand Catalán. I met many locals, and they are now some of my good friends. I know I will always have a place to stay in Barcelona. The city is so liberal and is a great place to be independent and learn about what you want out of life. Barcelona is right by the mountains and the beach, is beautiful, and has a little of everything.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Winter 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Though academics were extremely challenging since classes were taught completely in Spanish, I learned much more than just the course material. I gained a much higher level of proficiency in Spanish, and I had the opportunity to interact with and work with local students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators were extremely helpful. However, I hope that they become more clear about the university courses and processes in the future. This was a new program and the academic committee was a little lost. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment in the center of Barcelona with a wonderful family (the mother and her 23-year-old daughter). <br /><br /> The apartment was spacious and right in the heart of the city! |
| * Food: |
The mom cooked traditional Spanish food that was delicious! They provided me with three meals a day and even packed me a lunch when I had classes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Barcelona offers so many cultural activities that everyone can find somethings that suits them! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Some students were robbed around the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | My host family provided me with three meals a day so I only spent money on food if I went out to eat with friends. I would say that I spent around 40 euros a week including food and other personal expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cell phone costs are high in Europe. Also, unexpected costs such as taxis add up. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My courses were in Spanish, I lived with a Spanish host family, and I became friends with the locals. The other people in my program were all native Spanish speakers so we would speak Spanish with each other at all times. The program was basically an immersion program, and I became generally fluent by the end. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try to stay away from the Americans and tourists in Barcelona and you will open your eyes to so much more. |
