"World Cup In Spain was one quite experience" Past Review
By Bryan G (Finance and Government, The University of Texas at Austin) for
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
The study abroad experience was a learning experience. Not just on how to be more independent and responsible, but how to be cautious of all things that come with the host country. I gained an insight of the politics and culture of the country. It was very interesting to have interacted with Faculty from the program who were willing to share their knowledge and perspective without censoring what they said. The 7 weeks abroad were sufficient for me to get a deep understanding of the country.
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. |
Moodle, which is like Blackboard Grading system is different. Teaching method is more one on one compared to the style here at the University of Texas at Austin. All Professors were available for office hours in the same building, and they were approachable. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was really responsible and responsive. They offer really great hospitality, and gave the students their contact information just in case there were other issues that came up. When there were local accidents or events that could be a risk for the students, they made sure to inform everyone of the risks involved. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Building on main street. 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, kitchen, dining area, and living space. <br /><br /> The apartment buildings were inhabited by families, and local residents. The elevators are very small. The sheets, towels and pillows were included. Lamps were included as well. The only thing is that students have to take a power jack converted, since the voltage is different. There was a washer, but clothes had to be hanged up in racks. The resident assistant was a local college student who was employed/contracted by the international program. |
| * Food: |
When you live at an apartment you have the freedom to buy any food you like. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Nightlife: Clubs and Social Bars Attractions: TourBus, Museums, Beaches, Park Guell, Olympic Stadium Weekend trips to other areas around Barcelone: like Girona and southern france. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was not a spread of diseases, or the flu. A lot of the safety was related to going out, and traveling alone. There were many precautions to all different risks involved. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Less eating out and Using more coupons/discounts. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Speak with local citizens (college students) Language exchange program speak to professors |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is strong minded, and is determined to complete a program knowing that there will be different people around them who come from different (economic) classes, and might have the luxury to spend money. Students must be willing to continue on their experience and adventure even if its them on their own. Expose themselves to activities and local residents. |
