Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Bridging the Culture Past Review

By (University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 06/11/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned to become even more independent and how to adjust in a completely different country without my family. This experience abroad was worthwhile because I am thinking about working with a sports team in Spain so having an exposure to the Spanish culture and lifestyle.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* 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

I feel like overall, the American Foreign Institute for Foreign Study provided a supportive staff on site. Their website also seemed a bit easier to navigate compared to the other study abroad programs that come to come for the study abroad fair at my university.

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? $321.52
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend for those who will participate in studying abroad in the future is to do earn money for doing various chores or getting a job. My parents and family members also gave me some money to buy them souvenirs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Historical visits
  • Easy access to the staff
  • Local food
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-orientation sent from AIFS program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How severe a culture shock could happen for someone who is very family oriented.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.