Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing, once in a lifetime summer Past Review

By (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/31/2015 to 07/16/2015 with

Arcadia: Barcelona - Arcadia in Barcelona Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I gained language skills the most. I went to Barcelona knowing no Spanish, but I was able to have conversations right before I left.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were exactly what you would expect from a study abroad program, little homework, but very educational.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was amazing! Every time I had a question, they had an answer. They also care a lot about their students, I came in one day with a cough and they tried to set up a doctors appointment and checked to see if I was better every day after.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did homestay, but I think I would have preferred the freedom of living on my own. I liked my host family, but there was a bit of a language barrier, since they spoke mostly Catalan.

* Food:

My host mom made amazing meals! There are so many options to eat if you're not with a family though. The staff at Arcadia always had several recommendations.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think for the short time period, I really felt like a Spaniard.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never visited the doctor, but it seemed very easy to set up an appointment with them. I did go to a pharmacist and get cough syrup however, the pharmacists in Spain are very helpful.

* Safety:

At night Barcelona could be a little unsafe, but for the most part I felt safe. I took taxis home at night rather than walk though.

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)

I spent a bit more money than I had anticipated, but I think overspending can be avoided if you're determined.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy things you can easily buy while in the U.S. Don't always go to clubs or bars where theres a cover.

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

They encouraged it, but more often we would use English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The unique field trips and excursions
  • Meeting and going out with new people
  • Being able to see Spain from a local's perspective
* What could be improved?
  • The class sizes were incredibly small, which made it difficult to meet people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have lived in an apartment rather than with a host family. My host family had a few rules and I would've preferred to have freedom.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'