Barcelona! Amazinging, life changing, and an experience I would never have passed on. - BCA Barcelona - University of Barcelona Past Review
By Kristina M (Anthropology/ Spanish, DePauw University) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much, saw so much and would never change it for the world. I want to live abroad again in my life, so hopefully I can find a way back to Barcelona.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are lots of festivals near or in Barcelona. As well, certain neighborhoods have parades celebrating specials dates or saints days. There always seemed to be something to go see or do. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Barcelona has a lot of pick pockets. Besides that, it is a generally safe city. Watch your bags and stay off the beaches at night. I rarely felt at risk when traveling throughout the city alone. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 euros. Some weeks, I would spend tons, because I went to Paris for the weekend or went out to dinner. And other weeks, I spent next to nothing, maybe a coffee at the university. Since all the meals are provided by my host mom, if you are on a tight budget, you can make it work if you aren't planning on traveling much. And if you are, there are much cheaper ways to get around Europe then the United States, like ryanair.com or the bus/ train systems. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You'll have to buy a 3 month youth metro pass, which is over 100 euro, but it is worth the price, considering how much buying single or month passes would add up to be much more expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
You needed to have some basic Spanish ability to get by. A lot of individuals know some English, but the amount varies dramatically from person to person. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You're Spanish will be challenged, but improve amazingly. Spend time with your host family as well as your friends, because they can teach you a lot. And approach everything with an open mind, particularly some of the food! |
