Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was over in a flash, and I'd do anything to go back. Past Review

By (Journalism., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 04/27/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not be scared to get involved in something outside of my comfort zone. COMPLETELY worthwhile.

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?

Great experience living in an apartment with other CEA students.

* Food:

Program didn't provide food for students in apartments like myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

There were plenty of riots going on at the time that I studied in Barcelona and I not once felt I was in danger.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't plan a trip every weekend. Get to know your study abroad destination for awhile.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It was tailored to American students wanting to travel Europe.
  • No Friday classes which was great.
  • Classes were designed to help us get to know the city and culture we were living in.
* What could be improved?
  • The administration was not very helpful.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Culture shock is real, but once you get passed it the travel memories, destinations, and friends will be unforgettable.