Barcelona: The Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review
By Mary R (Biology, University of Central Florida) for
ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
I have always loved travelling, but this experience truly changed my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was placed in the Superior Spanish class with four girls from Northwestern. I have never learned so much Spanish language and culture in a classroom setting. My professor was incredible and very funny. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our administration leaders in Barcelona were welcoming, young, and knowledgeable. They were available at any time to answer any questions or to help with any issues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family included a mother and her 15 year old daughter. They were excited to have us staying there and were very sweet and just as excited to learn from us as we were to learn from them. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Barcelona is the home of the Gaudi architecture, which is incredible. Going to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls and celebrating San Juan on the beach highlighted the trip. Another memorable excursion was Costa Brava 4th of July weekend. Jumping off a boat into the Mediterranean, visiting Dali's house, dancing on a boat to Lady Gaga.... all part of the adventure. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
In Barcelona, Castellano is more of their second language, with Catalan being their primary. I felt that I had to speak Castellano to get by and the immersion did wonders for my abilities. My grammar and accent improved more in that summer than in the 8 years I had been taking Spanish classes in the states. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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? | You need to be open minded and ready to meet incredible people. Don't be picky about food and enjoy every moment. Summer is the best time to go to Europe for the festivals. |
