Barcelona: The Experience That Changed My Life Past Review
By Nathan A (International Business, Gannon University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in Barcelona
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I have improved my Spanish skills tremendously and I gained valuable work experience through my internship. I now feel more confident and have a better idea of what I would like to do after graduating.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I only had class for two weeks, but I can say some teaching styles differ from the US. I enjoy that the teachers were more personal and encouraged speaking and talking about numerous topics. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really enjoyed my study abroad experience. The faculty and staff were very friendly and always willing to help and give advice. I feel that the program offered everything I needed to have an amazing experience and gain the knowledge and work experience I was hoping for. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very pleased with my housing arrangement. It was a very nice and comfortable apartment. The only thing that could have been better was the people I lived with, but this is not fault of the organization. I was just hoping to speak more Spanish in the household but the other people had very low levels of Spanish. |
| * 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had an intensive Spanish course for my first two weeks in Spain. I also was doing an internship during this time period and was able to work and improve my Spanish in many ways. CIS also offered many cultural events, where I was able to practice Spanish and learn more about the culture. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | When you travel don't expect things to be like they are back home, open your mind to new ideas, and become a sponge and soak up all you can. |
