Life Lessons in Barcelona Past Review
By Leslie B (Economics., Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
I loved my study abroad experience! If I did it again I would not do my same program because I would want one that is more language intensive. I learned how to travel and use public transportation. I learned a new sense of independence and a better knowledge of the world around me.
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. |
Grading system was different. My grade was just based on a few assignments for most of my classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths- was organized, services were accessible/ Weaknesses- too large of program size, didn't have many opportunities to meet local people in Spain |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I didnt have to buy any settle-in items. My host mom was awesome and cooked great food! She helped make my study abroad experience. I wouldn't have learned any Spanish if it was not for her. I felt safe in my area. It was a little bit far from my school though. |
| * Food: |
I had no dietary restrictions. The quality of food was great! It is always nice to bring comfort food though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES put on an orientation trip to Costa Brava that was a lot of fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I didn't ever get sick so I never needed health care. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 20 euros because I ate at home for dinner every night. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Flights to other countries are more expensive than you think! Buy flights early on! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
All of my friends spoke English and I did not know many locals. The only time I spoke spanish was for my class and at dinner with my host mom. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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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