The 4 months in Barcelona that changed my life Past Review
By Hannah Hubbard (University of St. Thomas - Minnesota) - abroad from 01/10/2018 to 04/26/2018 with
AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona
10000% worthwhile!! Studying abroad changed who I am as a person for the better in so many ways. After my 4 months of living in Barcelona, I am more confident, independent, fulfilled and passionate, just to name a few. Studying abroad is truly that once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should experience during their college years; whether it be a year, semester, j-term, or summer, take the leap of faith and STUDY ABROAD!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved my semester at UAB! I took 4 classes, all pertaining to my major and minor. Classes were very interesting and engaging! My classes were taught by Spanish faculty and our classrooms were made up of diverse students from all around the world. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site AIFS Barcelona staff is absolutely INCREIDBLE! They are a huge reason as to why my study abroad was the most amazing one that it could be. Their infinite support, love, care, compassion, and kindness were continuously being shown to be each and everyday. I'm so thankful for them and all of their hardworking, determination, and efforts into making this program the stellar one that it is. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Residencia Onix, and it was great! I had my own room and bathroom, and shared a kitchenette with a roommate. I loved it! |
| * Food: |
Authentic Spanish food is delicious! I had many opportunities to try different types of dishes like: paella, many different tapas, and so much more! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
AIFS Barcelona provided me many opportunities to engage in the local culture through daily excursions on weekends like: walking tour of the Gothic Tour, La Sagrada Familia Tour, and a paella cooking just to name a few! I also participated in the "optional excursions" which allowed me to explore other provinces of Spain and neighboring countries! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIFS in Barcelona, Spain was everything I had hoped for and so much more! The academic setting, excursion options, and on-site support staff are just a few of the many reasons why this program was the perfect fit for me. |
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) |
As long as you budget in advance (like I did), finances shouldn't be an issue. Knowing what you can and can't spend per week, and being aware of it will help to keep finances in control! |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 305 |
| 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? | Just try to speak the language whenever and wherever! You get the most out of what you put in. So TRY it! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 would've known how much I was going to love it. That being said, I wish I would've studied for an academic year. Knowing what I know now about studying abroad and seeing the incredible impact it had on my life in just 4 short months, I can't imagine how my life would've changed it 9 months! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
