Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Barcelona will always have a piece of my heart! Past Review

By (International Business, University of South Florida) for

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am more understanding of other cultures and I can now communicate very well with the Spanish people. I am studying in International Business and this experience assured me that I am doing the right field for me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I feel as though the expedited 2 week Spanish course I did take went by at a faster pace and I learned more because it was more intense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I absoulutley loved the program staff and could not have chosen a better program!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt as though my apartment was far from everything but it wasn't a huge problem. It was also not as nice as I would of imagined it but it worked.

* Food:

I loved all the food in Spain! I would highly recommend going to La mamasita on Urgell and also the TAPAS restaurant on Diagonal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved going on the side trip to Costa Brava. We went to Pellamos and stayed at tghe nicest hotel and also had an amazing cooking course. In Spain is where I found my new love for the artist Dali and his museum in Figures!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Enforex, was the school. I did use the Spanish language everywhere I went and therefore I improved on my speaking skills dramatically. Most people spoke Catalan or Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The staff
  • The events held by the program
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • the housing placements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? While you have the opportunity, I highly suggest it. It will allow you to create such a different perspective of the way people live their lives and it will change your forever in a positive and impacting way.