Great City, Easy Program, and Fun Times Past Review

By (Journalism Major, Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 04/27/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met a lot of very interesting and fun people that taught me a lot during the courses. I enjoyed traveling through Europe and seeing new places. I gained a new appreciation for Spain and it's culture. It was definitely worthwhile because it was an experience I'll never forget.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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
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? Shop at local markets and find good restaurants that aren't expensive when you do go out.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? second semester spanish
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? Use the language as must as you can, especially out in public and in classes.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • American Students
  • Teachers
  • Apartment living
* What could be improved?
  • Response to housing problems
  • More Classes with Locals
  • More excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's tough to meet locals when you dont have classes with them or if you dont go to similar places that people your age go to. Getting out of your comfort zone is the best way to enjoy your abroad city.