Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a lifetime. Past Review

By (International And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond worthwhile. Learning about other cultures and getting outside of the American bubble is indispensable. All of the friends I made, the amazing sites I was lucky enough to observe and the beautiful Barcelona which became my home will forever be ingrained in my memory.

Review Photos

CIEE: Barcelona - Liberal Arts Photo

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.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries, take the metro, and don't buy drinks in clubs!

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 32
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? Take as many spanish classes as possible, listen to spanish music, watch spanish TV, talk to anyone you can in Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city of Barcelona itself
  • The people on the program
  • The cultural activites
* What could be improved?
  • The residencia
  • Information about the metro station
  • A meal plan for the students not in homestays
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A little bit more spanish! :)

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.