The Best of Barca! Past Review
By A student (Applied Economics., Bentley University) - abroad from 08/29/2013 to 12/14/2013 with
API (Academic Programs International): Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
This was the most rewarding experience of my life. I learned so much about myself and those around me. I would happily recommend or provide more information to anyone debating this study abroad program. I want to be back!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
A+ for melon district marina. The perfect living arrangement for international students! |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very easily accessible with healthcare and insurance. I had to get an ingrown toe nail operated on towards the end of the semester. The hospital and my program directions were very helpful. They assisted me with contacting the university for my absences as well. |
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
Living in a dorm made food preparation very difficult with a shared teeny fridge and freezer space. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends - sometimes over $300 depending on travels |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you are concerned with spending money, a home stay with provided meals may be a smart idea. Create a budget before you leave with what you have saved, something I should have done! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| 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? | Elementary level |
| 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? | Don't be intimidated to break out of your shell and put the language to the test in every day life. That's how you learn. I learned so much more Spanish in every day life than I did in the classroom. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | None! |
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. |
