Viva Espana Past Review

By (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?
I learned that Spain is very underrated and every day I wish that I could go back.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Barcelona: Past & Present International Journalism & Global Media Spanish Civilization & Culture Sport & Culture in Contemporary Spain
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The actual apartment was incredibly nice, but we were unaware of certain living protocols and the neighbors wanted us out.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the fresh markets for produce. Don't buy more than a days worth and try to cook for at least 2 meals per day.

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? Beginner

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The fieldtrips
* What could be improved?
  • Adding more field trips and learning more about the current city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The class listing isn't as diverse.