Four Months in Barcelona

My experience in Barcelona was incredible. The AIFS program directors, Inma and Jenn, went above and beyond the entire time that we were there to make us feel comfortable, safe, and welcome. I could not have asked for better staff to approach with questions, concerns, and problems.
I chose to live with a host family for the semester. It was an experience that required patients, understanding, and an open mind. Overall, my experience with living in a host family was great. I developed a wonderful relationship with my host mom and became very comfortable in a new enviroment.
My biggest concern and worry before coming to Barcelona were finances and food. The food took some getting used to and required me to realize that speaking up and letting my host mom know that I did not like it was the only way to keep from having it again. All in all, the food in my host stay has been ok and nothing that I could not deal with.
Finances should not have caused me to lose a wink of sleep before leaving the USA, as once you meet others in your group you quickly find those that are on a budget similiar to your own and one way or another you make things work.