Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My best semester yet (but not because of CIEE) Past Review

By (Business, Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2014 to 04/12/2014 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to know a new culture and part of the world. It also taught me a lot about myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that three of my five classes were not worthwhile attending.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They treated the students like middle schoolers

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very happy with my living situation. I chose to do a homestay and had a wonderful host mom. The apartment was beautiful and centrally located.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CIEE only encourages you to hang out with other CIEE students, perhaps because so many of the students had poor Spanish language skills. I had to take the initiative to make local friends. Having Spanish friends really made my experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Toward the end of my time in Barcelona I became extremely ill. I did not notify CIEE because it was technically after the program ended. I went to the ER and found the care comparable to the US. I had to stay there for a day and my insurance covered it.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More prep on the city/culture

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.