Summer in Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

This summer I had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona! During my time in Spain, I was able to full immerse myself in the Spanish culture. To do so, CIS offered several excursions including Spanish cooking classes, dance classes, a catamaran trip up to Costa Brava, hikes, and tours of the city's famous attractions. I would highly recommend CIS Abroad Summer in Barcelona if you want to fully experience all that Barcelona has to offer.

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I cannot recommend this program enough. My summer at UAB far exceeded my expectations. Going into it, I knew I was going to have a great summer but, I didn't know that it was going to be exceptionally amazing. From the moment I arrived, everything kept falling perfectly into place. My apartment was in the best possible location(and I had 8 roommates-yes, 8, with our own rooms which was possibly just pure luck, but we got along swimmingly and still keep in contact on a daily basis 6 months later), UAB was only 4 metro stops and a 4 block walk from my apartment, the weather was amazing, the culture was diverse, and getting around was easier than I thought. More on the UAB- I am currently a Senior, studying marketing. This program caught my eye because it offered upper level business classes that could most likely count as an equivalent to upper level (3000 and 4000) business classes at my home University(talk to your academic advisor and department head first if you need super specific credits). They have a wide array of classes to take which included Spanish classes(and maybe social studies study classes? I don't remember) and business classes. I ranked the 5 classes I wanted to take and got my first two choices: international marketing strategies and international business. Most rewarding classes I have ever taken- seriously. Both of my professors were amazing and so experienced. One had her doctorate in business and had lived all over the world and was extremely passionate about marketing. The other owned a multi-million dollar global business, retired to teach and had stories rich with experience. In both classes we did a lot of case studies(which I found very interesting) and had exams and homework that resembled actual classes like Universities at home. What made these classes great was that we weren't just memorizing things out of a book- we were learning about real business situations and how to apply business strategies and concepts to them. They were the most rewarding classes I have taken in my academic career. About Barcelona- I am obsessed with this city. before studying here, I had never traveled to Spain, but Barcelona always attracted me. There is something for everyone in this city. The food, the entertainment, the nightlife, the scenery, the culture , the people, the shopping, was just exceptional. The metro system is easy to understand and use and cabs are easy to hail (there wasn't uber when I was there but there may be now). One thing that makes Barcelona so great is the mountains mixed with the sea. One of my favorite sunsets of all time was from the Bunkers, watching the sun melt behind the mountains and then turning around and watching the moon reflect over the Balearic sea- honestly no other word to describe it but magical. If you are worried about not speaking Spanish- don't be, almost everyone speaks english and if they don't you will learn enough Spanish to get by easily( I used to be almost fluent but haven't studied Spanish in 3 years so I was extremely rusty but never had a problem). About the program- they provide several activities including weekend trips throughout the program. I went on one weekend trip to Costa Brava which was included in my program fees so I didn't pay a thing. It was a great way to get to know people outside of your roommates and classmates. There was also day trips, cooking classes, salsa classes, and the like. The on-site program directors were accessible and friendly. When our apartment was a couple hours late from being ready when it was supposed to- they took us out to lunch. When we had problems at our apartment-they helped communicate with the landlord. Knowing that they are there provides a peace-of-mind in case anything were to happen. My ONLY complaint about the entire 6 weeks(its really more like 7 weeks- once you get there you have a week free then 6 weeks of school) is that the wifi went out for an entire weekend and I was home alone(my roommates were all traveling) and my landlord wouldn't respond and I couldn't do my homework or much of anything. I have never missed a time or place like I miss my Summer at UAB. Saying goodbye to Barcelona was my hardest goodbye to date- not that I can't go back but I will never have that same experience again- with the same people in the same apartment taking the same classes with the same teachers. I think about it every single day and am constantly fighting the urge to buy a one way flight back. I made new friends(two of which I am seeing this weekend and have seen several times since being back in the U.S.) new experiences, new perspectives and most importantly, memories I will reflect on and value forever.

I knew that I would love Barcelona, I Just didn't know how much, and my expectations were BEYOND exceeded with the help of CISabroad. From the beginning, applying and preparing to go abroad all of the staff were extremely helpful in answering questions and making me feel prepared. Once I got there, it was super easy to find them at the airport and they delivered me to my apartment door, literally a 1 minute walk from Las Ramblas and the Christopher Columbus statue. Their orientations and welcome activities on site helped me get my bearings and make friends immediately. The classes and teachers were wonderful. There were many cultural activities to help immerse us in the culture from hikes, city tours and my favorite a cooking class. I'm not a super emotional person, but my roommates and I cried when it was time to leave and I cannot wait to go back. None of this would have been possible without CISabroad (and I'm actually planning to study abroad through them again, seriously that great).

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My study abroad trip in Barcelona was amazing, I had THE time of my life! I would do it all over again if I could. I initially thought all the students in the program would be leaving together in a dorm or apartment complexes close enough. The commute to and from class was not bad. Being from NYC I commute with Public transportation all the time. My Spanish class was very intensive and informative, compared to my classes back home. In just 7 weeks I've learned so much about Spanish history, culture and politics. In addition, I had the chance to meet people all over the world. I didn't know that everyone else in the world spoke a minimum of three languages. It really shows how much we're lacking in the United States. The class schedule Mon-Thurs was perfect if you wanted to travel to other cities in Spain or even go abroad for a weekend getaway. If you plan in advance you'd be surprise how cheap it is to travel to Paris or Rome. I stayed in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with 4 other American female students. It was interesting meeting people from different walks of lives and experiencing this life changing experience. The only sour experience was getting food poisoning on one of the weekend excursions. To get sick in a country with a language barrier is truly a scary sight. However, the onsight staff made sure we were in good hands and checked up on us after leaving the hospital. I loved it and I guarantee you would be looking for your next study abroad trip before this one is finish!

Living in Barcelona this past month and a half has been unbelievable, for both good and bad reasons. Barcelona is a wonderful city, with so much to see and do. Adjusting to the cuture was challenging of course, but ups and downs are natural. CISabroad was helpful and accomodating, always willing to help, even though communication prior to in-country arrival wasn't always great. Overall, a great experience. Academics: Professors were active and engaging, good course content, overall good experience at UAB Living Situation: Excellent apartment in a great neighborhood, close to the school, preferences were obviously considered Cultural Immersion: As I was placed with Spanish speaking internationals, I was wholly immersed in the culture. Program Administration: Some confusion and disorganization prior to my arrival. For example, I did not get a definite answer to some questions about the proximity of my apartment to the school. Once in country, staff were generally helpful, yet information about events was sometimes put out at the last minute Health and Safety: Never felt unsafe, generally. Care and caution is still absolutely necessary, though, as it is a city infamous for its pickpockets. Social Life: The party/club scene is great in Barcelona, but if you're not into that like I am, there's always a casual bar or restaurant open late at night if you just want to relax.

Everything about my study abroad experience was amazing. I met awesome people and saw amazing things that I will have with me forever, you won't regret leaving your comfort zone. Living Situation: Loved the apartment! And the neighborhood, I always felt safe.

Wonderful experience! Everyone was helpful, the apartment was great, we had a few issues with the washing machine but everything was taken care of once we notified the program. The school was a great facility and both teachers I had were great.

I knew that Barcelona had a lot to offer, but you literally can go to a different bar every night and have an amazing time! Every place is different and eclectic and i was very impressed by everything the city had to offer.

Great staff, great students, great location. Tons of included cultural activities that might have been missed on my own. Experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. I would recommend CIS to anyone. Health and Safety: I would never recommend going anywhere alone at night but I never felt uncomfortable. During the day, wandering the city by yourself is not an issue. Pick pocketing is the only thing to be aware of at all times. Social Life: So much to do during the day and night. Restaurants, bars, clubs, music etc.

CIS was a fabulous program and really helped me feel comfortable right away in Spain. The staff was great and all the activities included in the program were fantastic and probably things I wouldn't have done on my own.

It was an overall positive experience Living Situation: my homestay locked all the doors to the rooms of the apartment. it felt like they thought i was a thief and was going to steal something.

Homestay experience was horrible but enjoyed Barcelona and meeting new people. Living Situation: Never ending problems with my home stay "mother." Wouldn't answer the door when I arrived in Barcelona, then got locked out (key wouldn't work) 3 times. Haven't had one breakfast since I've been here, and laundry wasn't provided. I ended up finding a dry cleaner down the road (very expensive). Moved her family in her apartment recently and have been sharing a towel with them (nasty... decided to buy my own towel). Not a good homestay experience. Health and Safety: No problems with safety. Social Life: Great social life.

CIS Abroad made my trip fun. We had some really awesome events throughout my stay in Spain and every one was always so helpful! Academics: UAB was great! I learned so much Living Situation: Family was very different to adjust to. I felt like a guest the whole 6 weeks Cultural Immersion: More things done in the beginning of the program, please. Program Administration: Everyone was helpful and nice Health and Safety: Lots of men stare, some situations can be uncomfortable. But I really only felt scared one time. Social Life: You're got be open and connect with random people.

CIS and the UAB program were really something that I wasn't expecting. It was not good or bad, but pleasantly different. Taking classes and living on your own in a huge city abroad is not something for the uncertain and unwilling. Attending classes while keeping up with everything going on around you is tough, but it is so worth the experience. For those who want to get a taste of the Spanish lifestyle and workings, you will find what you need and much more in Barcelona and with this program. Also keep in mind that 88% of the population in Barcelona and Catalunya speak Catalán, along with Spanish, which makes for an even better time. Academics: Good professors but bad students and attitudes for learning. Living Situation: Loved the apartment and the roomates. Had a lot of fun, and overall a good location, I just didn't like the noise, but hey, its a city. Cultural Immersion: I wish people in Barcelona didn't want to practice their English on us. Program Administration: It seemed like things were out of touch sometimes, but when organized everything went well. Health and Safety: Barcelona is a very safe city. Just keep an eye on your pockets and lock your doors and you'll be fine. Social Life: I wish I spoke better Spanish so that I could have mingled more and talked to more people around the city.

Had a fantastic time with CISabroad! The staff were incredible, always there when you needed them, very clear, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure you had all your questions answered. Housing was very clean and nice and near to several metro stops and my roommates were great! Classes were nearby and very much how I thought they would be, challenging, but not impossible!

Overall, my experience while studying abroad was excellent. There were a few hiccups with the program, but the experience with the language and culture within Barcelona certainly made up for it. Academics: My elective class was very poorly taught, and the workload seemed inappropriate for such a short term. Living Situation: The host family I stayed with had many noisy guests at all hours of the day (including a three-week visit with a baby), making it very difficult to get my schoolwork done. Cultural Immersion: I had many opportunities to practice immersing not only in the language but all aspects of Spanish culture. Program Administration: The onsite staff for Barcelona were awesome, however, pre-depature staff were disorganized, confusing, and not very helpful. Health and Safety: I never feared for my safety while studying abroad.

For a chance to roam free in a culturally rich environment while still having the security of a staff who cares, CIS Abroad delivers. And then some. The program places students in a university with other English-speaking international students, and the course material and workload still allows for plenty of time to explore the foreign landscape freely. It was nice having spare time to wander the streets on my own or with friends, talk with the locals, and see the sites that I wanted to see. Yet, the program also provided activities and excursions to enhance the study abroad experience. Activities introduced students to different areas of the foreign city, glimpses into the local lifestyle and cuisine (delicious), and events that showcased the best that the city had to offer (in Barcelona's case, flamenco shows, outdoor markets, and cultural events like festivals and art showcases). I loved that the program also took students to nearby places for daytrips or weekend excursions. I would highly suggest a homestay, as this gives students a complete immersion in the foreign city. I had the best time of my life, and I would recommend this program to others. One thing I would suggest the program improve is the quality of communication they provide to students prior to the trip. However, once abroad, the program staff did everything in their power to answer any questions or doubts. Academics: I loved my classes at UAB. I would have preferred to be in a university that also included Spanish-speaking students. All of the students in my university were English-speaking, and most were Americans. Living Situation: My homestay was perfectly suited to my personality and personal preferences. I also loved that other international students stayed at my homestay as well. It provided for a very international house! My Senora was kind, generous, and encouraging of my trying to improve my Spanish-speaking skills. We will definitely keep in touch, and we feel like family now! Cultural Immersion: I think that CIS Abroad had a fantastic balance of allowing students free time to explore the city on their own, while also providing cultural activities and excusions to introduce students to different parts of the city. I feel that the price of the study abroad program matched the amount of cultural immersion we received. Program Administration: Before my trip abroad, communicating with anyone in the CIS Abroad Office was very difficult. I wrote many emails and left many voicemails, but most of them were unanswered. Upon being accepted, I still did not receive the amount of information and attention I think I should have received. I did not know much about my program, UAB, or homestay until I was actually in Spain. I would suggest that the CIS Abroad staff make a greater effort to keep participants updated and assured of their trip. Health and Safety: Barcelona is extremely safe. One thing to watch out for: pick-pocketers. Clutch your belongings at all times (especially in public places like cafes and public transportation). If you are smart and on your guard, you should not have any problems with thefts. Staying out after dark was pretty safe as well. Try to use the buddy system, because theives and the like are very good at spotting foreigners. Social Life: Bars, clubs, and the like abound in Barcelona. Also, the beaches and mountains provide a wonderful blending of natural beauty to explore. Again, asking the locals where to go was the best bet to avoid being in a club with only Americans.