Amazing! Past Review

By (Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/14/2016 to 04/21/2016 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cultural differences are subtle but lifechanging

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were not very rigorous at all

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

OK, sometimes unavailable

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay was OK

* Food:

Homestay food was not good, SPanish food was OK

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Good! Learned a lot!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not Sure, never had any issues

* Safety:

Very safe!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Barcelona is an amazing place!

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)

Pretty easy, except if u want to travel outside Spain...

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $300 including travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel cheaply!! Group hostels!!

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

As much as you could

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Third level at brandeis
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? Talk to locals

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The city
  • the people
  • the weather
* What could be improved?
  • Better CIEE teachers
  • more academic support
  • more program activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling will be expensive

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.