Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming a Spaniard Past Review

By (Biology /Spanish, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/21/2012 to 07/07/2012 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life. The opportunity to learn and observe first-hand different cultures opens your mind in an incredibly unique way.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

IES Barcelona is a very organized and excellent program. The facility is very conducive to good learning, and there are ample resources for research and homework. The classes were difficult, but the professors were wonderful and made lectures interesting.

* 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:

I felt very safe! My suggestion is to travel with at least one person at night.

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)

I chose to spend money on cultural activities, like museum tickets, and souvenirs, but I was easily able to save money on food by eating most meals at my dorm.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Advanced Grammar and Composition II
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? Don't speak English! If you really want to learn Spanish, practice all the time! The people are very patient and understanding and don't mind if you aren't always correct.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My Professors
  • Barcelona's beautiful scenery and culture
  • Practicing Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • Shorter mandatory field trip to Girona
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Practice Spanish from day 1! Don't take any breaks so you can really learn the language.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary History of Spain
Course Department:
Instructor: Josep Grau
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Josep was an excellent teacher, truly one of the best I have ever had. Normally, I am not a strong student in History classes, but his was very enjoyable and I feel like I increased my breadth of knowledge. Josep is very knowledgeable and made class a wonderful experience. I participated in this class much more than I do at my home university. I think that is because of Josep's encouraging teaching style and the interesting material. I was assessed with papers, exams, assignments, and participation. We also went on field trips as a class, which helped me discover new parts of Barcelona.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not have any trouble.