Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living the Dream! Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/29/2012 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A greater sense of patience and the European lifestyle and how it compares to the U.S. Absolutely!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: UPF
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can before your program! You will go through it quicker than you think!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Sign up for an Inter-cambio!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The faculty was amazing and so helpful!
  • The IES fieldtrips were wonderful and you don't have to worry about anything.
  • The city is so International- you will meet people from all over the world!
* What could be improved?
  • more culture immersion
  • no Friday classes
  • make sure the housing is less than a 30 minute metro ride from the center
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Barcelona is much safer than I thought so don't worry too much.