Expanding my Worldview Abroad Past Review
By Michella Mousaed (Mount St. Mary's University, Los Angeles) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 12/16/2016 with
AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona
I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and roam a city independently from my group. I gained local friends from a nearby church that I still keep in contact with until this day. I became a more independent person because of studying abroad and I learned to have more confidence in myself and my intuition when traveling. Also, living abroad allowed me to learn how to protect myself among pit-pockets and how to budget to live on savings. I also gained some experience of living with locals and seeing how they enjoy the world through a local lens by being a part of a church's women's club that allowed me to practice my Spanish. I also got to have the opportunity to pitch my business ideas to local business owners while working with other American and European students. I got to see how different cultures can work together to create a beautiful result.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The semester I had abroad was mu most challenging one but most successful one. I had all A's and to A- when I got back. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Inma was a great role model and had a lot of advice for students who wanted to travel. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed my apartment because it in the city center. |
| * Food: |
I think the prepaid cards that they provide really do assist with the cost of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felted integrated with the local culture because I volunteered with a local church and events company. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was easy to get cold medicine from the Pharmacy. |
| * Safety: |
It was very safe but one has to be careful of pit-pockets and be aware of one's surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose the same program because it offered me security and a guide in the city. Inma showed us how to use the metro on day one. I got to participate in a fútbol team that competed every week. I also got to connect with other students in my program and that offered a sense of security. I also gained a family, the study abroad hosts really care about the students and their well-being abroad and offer safety tips and cultural immersion. Inma taught us the dance she grew up dancing which was called Sevillanas. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Food was quite expensive in Barcelona. However, it was cheaper on the outskirts of the city. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Venture out of the city center for groceries, it will help save money or go with the home-stay option. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had to take a Spanish Language class and we also were encouraged to practice daily. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 2 in High School. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Duolingo is an app that is quite helpful with practicing as well as grammar words on quizlet. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew to bring some clothes that help insulate like under armor. In December it starts to become really cold. I also wish I knew to join a local gym or to find someone to run with weekly. I also wish I had purchased a RFID protecting cross-body bag with a zipper, that really helps curb pit-pocketing. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
