*jess*

So I will be studying abroad in Barcelona this upcoming fall (with API), and I'm super excited! I was wondering if anyone who has come back from Barcelona has any advice (good eateries, best places to visit, tips in general, etc.). Also what is the fashion like there/what are the best things to pack for everyday wear, travel through Europe and nightclubs (I don't want to look like a complete tourist)?

This might be a rather superficial/stupid question, but if I bring my blowdryer/straightener will I be able to plug them in with a converter (I am a straight-haired girl, living in a curly-haired girl's body) or should I just buy them there?

Thanks!!

lowermorelandmom

Daughter is currently studying in Barcelona with CEA. She did not bring her straightner. When she first got there (within the first two days- it was a priority) her and her roommate bought a straightener to share. It wasn't that good, so after a while they ended up buying another there. But don't take yours, D was told her good one from home would be ruined there. She did bring her hairdryer, but I think that broke there also.

There are tons of good restaurants. You'll go with your program to the touristy sites in the beginning. I'm sure its the same as CEA. As far at nightclubs. I know my daughter gets something on facebook telling them what club everyone will be at that night. And you give this guys name to get in. And you get in free, and the guy (whoever he is- must be some kind of promoter) gets a fee for how many people he brings in.

Its such an unbelievable experience. You will love Barcelona. I can't believe my daughter will be home in two weeks. It flew by. And she traveled all through Europe. Italy, Germany, Switzerland, England, Amsterdam etc... You'll have a great time!

jai6638

Hey..

I was thinking of going to Barcelona and was wondering:

1) what did your daughter study there?
2) Where did she meet her friends? Did she hang out with people from her dormitory or did they have an equivalent of an orientation?
3) How much did the program cost?
4) Did the program cost include her accomodation and transportation costs?

Thanks

phishfan0969

its my dream to study abroad in Barcelona. im so jealous

lowermorelandmom

The program costs about $12,000. That only included the classes, the apartment. No food, no airfare. We had booked the airfare early, that was about $700. She spent at least an additional $9000 when you take into account her traveling, food, clothing etc.. It was a fortune, but worth every penny. She had the time of her life. She traveled every weekend, some of the places she visited were Switzerland, Munich, Paris, Cannes, England, Amsterdam, Italy (Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome ), Dublin and others that I know I'm forgetting. They stayed at budget to moderate hotels when they traveled. They could have stayed at youth hostels and saved some $. Also they took planes everywhere. If you book flights early to travel you can get deals through ryanair for like $25. And the deal with her going was she was supposed to travel every other weekend, but it seemed somehow she went every weekend.

My daighter took 4 classes, one being Spanish. She had signed up for five classes, but when they got there it seemed everyone dropped one class. The others were art history, Barcelona life, and a wine and cheese tasting class.

About the orientation. All the students are seperated in 5 groups. So when you get there, you go with your group to a hotel for a few days. There were orientations, programs about getting a cell phone etc.. And they take you on a tour of the major sites of Barcelona. And throughout the program there are individual trips that are included in the cost of CEA. And you go with your group. They went to Madrid for the weekend, San Sabastian, a flamenco dance, a cooking class and a few other things.

On CEA most of the students stay in apartments. My D went with her friend from college, and they stayed with her friend from home, and that girls friend from her college. My D did not know the other two. But she had friends in the program who signed up late and were put with random roommates and all became fast friends. The apartments are all in all areas of Barcelona. My D's was in Gracia which is like a little village. It was 20 minutes from her classes, which she walked most days.

If you are thinking of going to Barcelona put the deposit early. The price goes up after a certain date. If you have any questions please ask, or send me a private message and I'll have my daughter answer.

itstime4school

I have a question: Does your daughter know Spanish fluently? I was thinking of studying in Spain and I am studying Spanish in school right now...is the college she is attending consistent with english or spanish as well? I am not fluent...

*jess*

they don't actually speak spanish in barcelona, they speak Catalan (which is kind of a mixture of spanish/french). if you take classes at a university (UAB, UB, PF) they will be taught in Spanish, but if you go through an outside program they may offer classes that are taught in English

JBVirtuoso

I just came back from a trip to Spain, and I was in Barcelona for a few days. I think it's definitely worth it to have an introduction to Catalan, because it's used everywhere.

About the clothes: The Spanish dress up more than Americans. If you need a list of no-nos, spend a Saturday afternoon at your local Wal-Mart. Stay away from short shorts and t-shirts. Also avoid shirts with words on them, since they usually tell a story about where you're from.

Irish Karl

I'm looking for a couple of bar staff in September to serve drinks on board a large boat at Olimpic Harbour in Barcelona as it's out cruising with foreign passengers. It would be very relaxed, no experience required, it would suit someone bubbly and outgoing and I thought it would be ideal for a young student type who might be interested in earning some nice money.

Does anyone know where I should start looking?

Thanks,
Karl

siglio21

Visqui Barcelona! you mean...sry I just love catalan