Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Making the World my Campus! Past Review

By (Riverside City College) - abroad from 02/25/2019 to 05/18/2019 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
after the program, I feel more focused as to what I want to do. I gained clarity for my life. I feel convinced that what I have done until now will lead me towards my goal.

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.

the classes were not hard at all, however some did require a bit of time. The good thing about these assignments is that despite some being tedious, they would be based on our experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

CAPA's staff was always willing to help with the most. Also, always informing and sharing any cultural activities that would be happening during the weekend so we can attend.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were very nice, despite them being a bit too small. But overall, Europe tends to have reduced spaces.

* Food:

I would mostly eat out. Loved it! The cultural food was very pleasing to my senses.

* 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

I truly enjoyed the incorporation of the My Global City events which gave strong insight on cultural aspects such as food, art and history.

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)

Well, if I would have organized my budget better, I would have had more to last, however, personally, I treated myself more than I should have. the program itself was more than enough, but I went a bit extra. In other words, if at the end my program was costly, it wasn't much so because of the program itself, but rather my personal interests.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? While in your home country, save as much money as you can before studying abroad. Think about it this way. Can you sacrifice your five dollar coffee every day to be able to taste other coffees at your abroad city? Also, if you are currently working, save save save! Before the program begins, maybe even try looking for a temporary job.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Room for independent travel
  • Incorporation of curriculum
  • Cost
* What could be improved?
  • transportation pass that allows me to go further, to other zones.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to strictly budget per week, and how important it is to keep myself accountable to it.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!