Study abroad is an opportunity of a lifetime! Past Review
By Sarah S (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 04/28/2012 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
I gained confidence in Spanish, new knowledge of culture and history, and how important new experiences are to a rich life. It was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My señora was extremely prepared, helpful, and kind. She made us feel at home, and she treated us fairly as adults. I am so happy that I chose to do homestay, because I believe this is one of the key reasons that my spanish improved and I was able to more authentically experience Spanish/Catalan culture. |
| * Food: |
The dinners at my homestay were great, and I even brought recipes home. Pastries and food out in the city were awesome as well! Try new things! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Mostly basic, everyday interaction. Most spanish came from my homestay though, and I probably spent a little too much time with American students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick in the middle of the night one day, and the hospital was very kind and helpful. I was a little uncomfortable with them speaking in Spanish and using my señora as a translator though. I am somewhat fluent, but with such a serious issue I wish english had been spoken. |
| * Safety: |
I had no problems whatsoever, but I heard many stories of small theft. |
| 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) |
There are lots of things you want to buy and bring home to friends and family while also planning trips and daily expenses. |
| * 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? | 30-40 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try and budget and prioritize. Remember to keep in mind the fact that you will be eating breakfast and dinner at your homestay. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I didn't feel very encouraged by the program, besides my spanish class. My homestay made a huge difference though! |
| 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? | SPN611D, Third semester college/4th semester equivelent |
| 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? | Do a homestay. Talk to everyone you see in the language. Attempting is the only way to improve. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | How fast the time would pass, so take advantage of each day. |
