It is cliche but it honestly had a huge impact on my life. Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., Providence College) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/18/2012 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, and became much more independent. And I am currently dating a Catalan girl, she came to visit this summer, and I plan to go back in december.

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.

* 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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish in high school
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? Practice with a friend or classmate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Our program made it very to make friends with the locals.
  • Our rooms were great
  • We were able to take classes with locals
* What could be improved?
  • No class on friday
  • A better location
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack more! And try to book plane tickets more in advance