Good experience, probably would've preferred a different location. Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/26/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
CIEE: Barcelona - Advanced Liberal Arts
Language acquisition.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Program classes easy, university classes hard. Spanish education system does not foster learning or good learning practices. Did not enjoy my educational experience. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Disorganized much of the time. Program itself was terribly run. Staff were great. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Good family, good location. |
* Food: |
No variety in food. |
* 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? |
Not applicable. |
* Safety: |
Wallet was stolen. Stopped trusting people after that. Always be wary of your belongings and stay safe by traveling in groups. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $80-$100 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out all the time. |
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 |
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How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
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? | Spanish 242 |
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? | Make local friends. Staying with American friends only hinders your ability to speak in your second language. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | Classes in barcelona are generally NOT taught in spanish. they're taught in catalan. |
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.' |