Amazing program for curious minds and immersive experience! Past Review
By Sean Glynn (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 01/19/2020 to 05/05/2019 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
CAPA is a unique study abroad experience that gave me some amazing opportunities for personal growth. I studied in Barcelona in spring 2019. My specific program was small which at first was scary but it came with some amazing flexibility. The small class sizes allowed professors to personalize the coursework and even take us on trips to teach us lessons in terms of their lives in the city. This means professors could give us their unique take on living in Barcelona from the city rather than a classroom. I had friends in other programs in the city as well. Although these other students enjoyed their experience I honestly feel that CAPA did an exceptional job of encouraging immersion and providing a raw look at what it means to live in a global city. The internship opportunities are also something that stands out among study abroad programs that they provide. I cannot recommend CAPA highly enough!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Best food in the world hands down! Never had a bad meal even in touristy restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
CAPA gave me an amazing experience I can't imagine a better situation than the one I had in Barcelona |
Finances
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* 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) |
Food and Transportation is very cheap in Barcelona |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at home. It's a fun way to challenge yourself to learn new things and it saves you a ton of money by not eating out |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Professors and directors of the program were fluent and allowed you to practice anytime you would like. |
| 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? | Didn't take beginner course but was able to practice regularly |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Embrace the uncomfortable. Try and speak the language as much as possible, people appreciate you trying and will even treat you better if they know you are making a genuine effort. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Use this opportunity to the max. I am back in the US and am finding fewer opportunities to practice foreign language skills or the values that are unique to Spain such as flamenco or cooking. I wish I could have more time engaging in and growing from these experiences |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
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