Amazing! Once in a lifetime experience! Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 01/04/2017 to 04/01/2017 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The internship I did opened my eyes to a different part of the industry that we do not learn about in school. I wish I could've stayed with the company.

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.

Only took 1 class, primarily interned.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very friendly! Always available to answer questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived very far from my internship and the heart of the city.

* 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

I absolutely loved CISabroad. They are experienced and were always well prepared. The program was extremely cheap!

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)

I traveled a lot which added to the cost but I was prepared for that. Other than weekend trips, I barely spent any money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook at home! Save the bigger spending to weekend trips. There is a lot you can do for free.

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

They definitely encouraged it but as an intern, it was difficult. For me, all the guys I worked with spoke Portuguese. As for other interns, they experienced different languages as well they are not native to Spain or Barcelona specifically.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • my internship
  • access to traveling
* What could be improved?
  • communication while there (we were told to meet at a certain time on a certain day but no location)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not be afraid to say no and stand up for yourself. This is your experience so make the most of it. The time will fly by.