Once in Lifetime Experience ! Past Review
By A student (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 04/26/2018 with
API (Academic Programs International): Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
- How to be independent - How to plan trips - How to interact with locals - How to understand cultural difference - How to have an international mindset
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Great, program included trips around Spain to showcase different cultures within Spain. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
30% of my friends were pickpocketed. Do not get in cars that appear to look like taxies! always use a taxi app. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was the best for its value. We went on multiple trips around Spain and Portugal. The API staff was fantastic. They were always willing to help. They even added adventure that was not originally listed like a boat cruise. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to cook as much as possible during the week and eat out only on the weekends. |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Honors Spanish in HS |
| 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? | Speak with waiters, store clerks, and locals. |
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? | - Budget !!!! |
