Universitat de Barcelona (UB)

study the language before you come here - it makes it a lot easer. Get used to the word - mañana - if you need something. be open - do what you want - make the best out of it - and try to profit from it. Travelling is pretty cheap - bus is the cheapest mean of transport - granada is a great city - 7000pst. one way - different flair,... madrid is cool too ... but when you choose a hostel make sure it's a decent area - great museum of art - reina sophia ..... barcelona grooves

In some of these questions there is no oppportunity for me to distinguish between local/language of instruction. Barcelona is a special case because the national language of Spain, Castellano, is spoken, but the regional dialect (which is pretty much a completely different language), Catalan, is also spoken as it is Cataluna. I did not learn Catalan and concentrated all my efforts on Castellano. So I consider the local language the same as the language of instruction - Castellano. The opportunity to learn either was great and I loved practicing my Spanish every day in Barcelona.

it sure is harder to learn spanish here, because people are speaking catalan -- however it is possible to speak spanish - people know both languages and they will answer you in castellano. most important thing is to practice whenever possible - doesn't matter if you sound like an idiot at the beginning. i would learn the language better if i would come hear .. you get lazy with the improvement of a new language. once you are used to the relaxed way of handling stuff here -- you adapt ... but it's for sure that as soon you understand and talk spanish it' s more fun/giving.

The accomodations in Barcelona were varied...we were given help from our program coordinator - (Pilar) - but it was up to us to choose where we wanted to go. We were also able to change residences if the accomodations were not to our liking and Pilar also assisted with this. Overall I have no complaints. Looking for the apartment myself was a learning experience.

Clubs: La Palloma; massive diso built in the 1930's as a dance hall; thursday nights are the best. Best bar: "Vela de Negro" (The Black Sheep); just off the top of the Ramblas near the metro "Catalunya". Attracts a high number of young people from all over the world, & also very cheap sangria (although it isnt very strong!). Best bar: "Sherlock Holmes"; located at Placa Reile, a very private bar, traditional with high ceilings and a laid back atmosphere with cheap drinks. Very easy to pass by though, as a door bell has to be rung in front of huge doors. The bar which has about 3 rooms is located up a fleight of 2-storeys! Best restaurant: "Lapaloma"; located near the top of the ramblas at Catalunya metro, lovely & varied food, which is not too expensive either. Also a choice of sitting upstairs by the window & watching the world go by on the ramblas; beautiful. Best night spots for tapas & bars: "Fontana" metro, off the side streets somewhere are alot of small restaurants & bars. Art gallerys: lots of independent art gallerys located in the "Barri Gotic" district; as you are heading to the coast on the Ramblas, it on the left hand side; one feels like a child in a maze. Be careful of muggings though, as it is quite common in these little side streets. Best jazz club: "Harlem Jazz Club", located in the Barri Gotic, but not quite sure where. different music every night, which includes live bands. Lovely atmosphere. Museums; the sex museum on the ramblas; highly recomended.