Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Barcelona is wonderful Past Review

By (HISTORY., SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Oswego: Barcelona - University of Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Barcelona is an experience I will never forget. I may have had a couple problems in terms of my living situation and the issue of trying to budget my money, but it was all worth it in the end. I made great friends and fell in love with the city. I'd actually consider living in Barcelona in the future.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was a bit too far from the center of the city, but still a pretty nice place to stay. The food was not too great, but I guess the group was able to work around these flaws. <br /><br />

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average about 100 euros a week on all expenses. This is while trying to budget as much money as possible. The number could almost double if traveling is involved
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling to other cities is not as cheap as people make it seem. Working with the Euro is very difficult and it can add up by the end of the trip

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The city is wonderful. Do not let any of the flaws that the program may have, to deter you from being in this city. Everyone I traveled with misses Barcelona dearly (we've only been gone for 4 weeks).