Studying Abroad in Barcelona, Spain w IES Abroad Past Review
By Diamond P (Sociology., Villanova University) for
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
Indeed!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload, although mindful of a study abroad experience was still typical of an expected college workload but the types of assignments made the workload seem different since a lot of field studies were performed in classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was great and very helpful once we arrived and for the duration of the program, always accessible by email or phone. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay was in an appropriate location for travel to and from classes and other activities. I felt safe in my neighborhood. I could get to various places within walking distance or by a local metro or bus stop. Breakfast and Dinner was provided for me. My senora allowed us to store groceries for lunch in her kitchen, as we were responsible for providing our own lunch. All major necessities were provided, personally desired items were purchased. |
| * Food: |
quality/quantity |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
mandatory study journey to Costa Brava, weekday activities and seminars with special guests |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Besides the pickpocketers and wild drivers, Barcelona was pretty safe compared to our American cities especially at night |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Get involved in an activity outside of your classes abroad for example, an internship, a club/organization to practice in a business or social setting. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Research! Ask former students. Evaluate your comfort with the Spanish language. An outgoing, determined, open-minded, goal-oriented student is encouraged to enter into this experience. |
