Barcelona: Patatas Bravas and Beach Parties Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Course expectations were less clearly defined than I've experienced within American universities, but the workload was very manageable. I would have liked to take more language and grammar courses than were available though.

On-site administration of your program

ISA staff was incredibly supportive. From offering advice on effectively resolving homestay conflicts to providing restaurant and club recommendations, ISA was so helpful! The fact that most of the staff members were young and energetic was really welcoming.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living right in the center of L'Eixample (a ten minute walk from the Hospital Clinic stop), I was right in the heart of Barcelona. The buildings are absolutely gorgeous and the streets are really clean. We were a thirty minute metro ride from Universitat Pompeu Fabra and the beach and a short walk from UB. Most of my American friends from my program were scattered throughout the city, so the fact that I felt safe taking the metro by myself at night and walking the few streets back to the apartment was really important to me. Although there are excellent bars in the neighborhood, they are a bit more upscale. My friends and I preferred going to the bars near the beach and clubs like Razmatazz. My host family was very accustomed to hosting students both American and international. They were very laid-back and friendly and encouraged us to travel and go out at night, but because hosting was de rigeur for them, they didn't really incorporate us into family activities. All linens and towels were provided for us, so I only had to bring clothes, etc. I shared a large bedroom with my roommate and split the attached bathroom with my roommate and my host sister.

Although I was a vegetarian for the year prior to my trip, I decided to begin eating meat abroad in order to fully experience the local cuisine. My vegetarian friend had no problems dining in her homestay, but the fact that pretty much everything in Barcelona is made with ham made dining out a bit trickier. It took me a few days to get used to the smaller portions, but, returning to the US, I was amazed at how much we Americans eat for every meal.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Barcelona nightlife was absolutely mind-blowing! There was so much to see and do that by the end of the program there were still clubs that I had yet to visit. My favorite memory is of the Correfoc (fire run) at the Merce festival in September. Running through fireworks with a throng of excited Barceloneans was unforgettable! ISA arranged group trips to Valencia, Madrid, Toledo, and Girona. There was an optional excursion to Morocco, but, because of the additional cost, I did not attend.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I felt very safe walking through my neighborhood (L'Eixample), it's wise to exercise caution and keep a close eye on your belongings in some of the most touristy areas (Barrio Gotico, Las Ramblas, El Raval). A few of the students in my group were pickpocketed (one forceably so) and my friend's bag was snatched from under our feet as we napped on the beach. I had the flu, so I set up a doctor's appointment through ISA. The doctor was incredibly friendly and I could not believe how cheap antibiotics were.

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

Living within a homestay, I was able to practice my Spanish every day in a supportive environment. Had I chosen to live independently in an apartment, I feel that my command of the language would not have deepened as much. Because Barcelona is a popular tourist destination, Spanish knowledge is not essential for visitors since most people speak some English. I was unaware of how popular the Catalan language was and would have enjoyed taking some classes so that I could understand the preferred language of the region.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family