Yo Soy Espanyol Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was enrolled in two advanced level language classes at UIMP (Spanish Art and Architecture and Spanish History). The workload was less time consuming than Ohio State, but the exams were more comprehensive and extensive. My Art teacher Xavi, used powerpoints and visuals to enhance our understanding of Spanish art. We even took a trip to Museo Picasso! My History instructor was extremely informative and helpful with vocabulary.

On-site administration of your program

My experience with ISA prior to departure was rushed and slightly disorganized. My housing materials didn't arrive to my house until days before I left and my transcripts took months to arrive at my university. The Barcelona program itself was very organized and all members of the staff were approachable and knowledgeable of cultural differences, practices and customs. The Barcelona office was easily accessible with a very friendly staff. My classes were reasonably sized. I absolutely loved the excursion trips and they were always organized well for college students. My expectations were definitely exceeded!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood where I lived was typical of that of a middle-class working family. It was a split-level apartment in the Eixemple neighborhood. The neighborhood was clean, however there were areas I avoided because they seemed a little unsafe. The apartment was located close to the Barcelona metro and Sagrada Familia, so I felt like I was in the center of activity. My host family was more than accommodating. My host mother Carmen was an excellent cook and she treated me like a member of the family. She always made me a special breakfast and welcomed me home from class. During dinner, she helped me practice my grammar by insisting that I try speaking solely in Spanish.

Of everything I can compliment about my study abroad program, the food has to be the ultimate experience. Mediterranean food was absolutely delicious and there were options for any type of diet. My host mother made a wide range of Mediterranean cuisine like tortilla espanyola, chorizo, gambas and anything cooked in olive oil. My lunches consisted of bocadillo sandwiches, fruit and a dessert. I loved the unlimited options for grabbing a coffee and pa d'xocolat or tapas and a glass of wine. My favorite places to eat included La Cerveseria near Sagrada Familia, Reina de los Corazones on Ronda de la Universitat, Xampanyet (a champagne bar in Barceloneta), Caelum for pastries and La Boqueria market on La Ramblas (for the fresh fruit!)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was so lucky enough to experience so many aspects if Spanish culture in such a short period of time. I visited almost every museum and church in the city of Barcelona. We had multiple in-city excursion programs that immersed us in certain themes about the city. We had a tour of the city upon arrival with a stop at Park Guell. We also had a modernism tour and a gothic tour, where we looked at cathedrals, Gaudi architecture and famous buildings throughout the city. We also visited multiple cities within Catalunya, such as Figueras (the home of Salvador Dali), Girona, Cordoniu Winery, Rosas and my favorite- Costa Brava. There, we had a boat tour of the cliffs and the town of Costa Brava, but we also stopped the boat to swim in the sea! I was lucky enough to experience one of the most exciting moments in Spanish sport history. In 2010, Spain won the World Cup! The Catalan government provided the city of Barcelona with jumboscreens so that we could watch the final game live in Plaza Espanya. Surrounded by Barcelona fans, I watched Spain beat Netherlands in front of the Royal Palace!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As a female student who has experienced safety problems at my home university, I felt extremely safe in Barcelona. Of course, there is a prevalent pickpocketing problem in crowded areas, if you are smart and alert, you do not need to worry about this aspect.

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

I practiced Spanish all the time. My host family only spoke Spanish with me and I made a point of speaking Spanish as often as possible with my classmates/friends. My classes were entirely in Spanish as well. As for everyday interactions, I got a mix of Spanish, Catalan and English. Sometimes shopkeepers and merchants would assume I was Catalan and upon first impression, they would speak Catalan. Most restaurants assumed I spoke English.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family