Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Springfield College) - abroad from 01/04/2019 to 04/12/2019 with

API (Academic Programs International): Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how valuable an open mind is! It was worth every second studying abroad, as I learned a lot about myself and a lot about other cultures. Staying flexible and adaptable helped me a lot, and let me be open to new things.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took courses about Spain and Mediterranean culture, and it really enhanced my overall experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The API staff are WONDERFUL and I was more than pleased every time I visited the office in Barcelona.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A host family is the way to go! I got to know a different part of the city than most, and immerse myself in the culture by participating in holidays with the family and eating new foods.

* Food:

Mediterranean food is the way to go... I miss it every day, everything was so fresh! Walking down the street and smelling the fresh pastries from the bakeries was my favorite.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture was so fun to immerse myself into!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe once! It was so nice to be in a big city and never have to worry. I would say stay sharp and alert for pick pockets!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

API had so much to offer and I was so happy with my decision to travel with them.

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)

I found it very affordable to live in Barcelona. My host family cooked and shopped a lot for me and my roommate which helped.

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 not to buy the expensive drinks at the clubs, purchase cheaper ones beforehand. Look for the best deals for flights and air bnb or hostels, and learn to live with the essentials. It will be rewarding!

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? 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? Live with a host family! And try to practice any time you are out and about or shopping, ordering food etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Culture
  • Language
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should have tried harder to learn Spanish!

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.