Not too shabby Past Review
By Chris P (Political Science, Economics, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/21/2012 to 07/06/2012 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
Absolutely.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were very laid back and required little effort. The professors were great. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful whenever I had a question. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments were in a great location and were well-kept. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You have to make an effort to get outside of the "American Bubble". |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only heard good things. |
| * Safety: |
Other than the pickpockets, it's safe. |
| 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) |
Spent a whole lot of money, but it's possible. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $400+ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Limit eating out and don't buy $15 drinks |
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 |
They tried, we probably weren't the best students 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Spanish |
| 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? | Talk to your R.A. in Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I travelled a lot during and after the program. I convinced myself not to get a Eurorail pass but in retrospect it would have saved me money. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
