Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, the workload was incredibly high for a study abroad program, as well as there attendance policies. I understand that they focus on the "study" aspect of study abroad, but I thought we should have had more time and flexibility to travel. It was different being in such small classes, but I appreciated the student interaction and direct contact with the teacher and felt that I learned more this way. I also feel I received a much more general, international approach to learning rather than just the American way. My thoughts on Americans changed as well when I was there. I also really enjoyed hearing the personal stories and experiences from my local and American professors alike.

On-site administration of your program

The program size was a little too big and I was disappointed because I did not meet locals through my program. I would highly recommend taking courses at an outside university. The administration was pretty good although due to their size, it was sometimes hard to get through the red tape and issues of having such a large program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Passeig Sant Joan at Carrer d'Arago, near the Verdaguer metro stop in Barcelona. It was a perfect location! We were a 15-20 minute walk to IES and the neighborhood was beautiful and I felt safe most of the time. It was within walking distance from the beach and several other great spots. I couldn't have asked for a better host family, roommates or location! <br /><br /> Everything was absolutely perfect! My roommates and host family were by far the best part of my study abroad experience. I recommend living with a family more than any other suggestion I could give. I've made life-long friends and a local family that I hope to stay in touch with for years.

The food got much better as she learned our preferences. I recommend being honest about your food preferences at the beginning to help this transition. Try to stay open minded; my favorite meals were the ones I least expected I'd like. The food was really great overall, although breakfast was pretty non-existent. I had to buy my own cereal, coffee and juice because she only provided crackers with jelly/nutella, yogurt, and sliced white bread.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were some good events and things we learned but overall I did not enjoy our field trip to Tarragonna and thought a lot of the mandatory activities were unnecessary. It also seemed like the optional field trips and activities offered were a bit of a rip off.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Overall, I felt incredibly safe within the walls of my program, but anywhere outside of them I was extremely precautious. I was pick-pocketed three times, even within my own neighborhood. I knew that Barcelona was known for this, but it's definitely true. It's bound to happen to everyone at least once, which is a bit unnerving. Luckily, IES was very helpful with these incidents and fortunately I did not have any health issues but my friends who did received great care and advice from IES.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I would highly recommend living with a host family because I felt like I never spoke Spanish at IES with the students or professors. Only in my Spanish class and outside of IES did I actually speak Spanish. Most people in Barcelona spoke English, since it is so urban, therefore I believe that living with a family that strictly speaks Spanish is the best way to immerse yourself in the language and culture. I was hesitant about it, but now feel like it's the absolute best decision I made coming abroad.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family
• Americans

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• Americans