Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Left my heart in Barcelona Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/19/2013 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing! I am better at speaking Spanish now and I'm quite good at reading also. On top of that, my host mom taught me some great recipes. Yes it was worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I expected the classes to be a blow off but they required a good deal of work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very good! The staff is incredibly helpful with everything from visa concerns, to getting around the city, getting mail from home, and finding a doctor if you are sick or hurt.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host mom was a fantastic cook

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was difficult to meet local people but much of that had to do with my limited language skills

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick while abroad but my roommate did and the program sent her to an English speaking doctor who got her medicines that same day.

* Safety:

Barcelona is a very safe city. I am a small female and I never felt unsafe. The streets were well lit and there was a strong police presence. You do have to watch your things though as pickpockets are everywhere.

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 went to Barcelona with $3000. Staying in Barcelona was not a problem on my budget but I underestimated how expensive travelling would be. If you want to travel I would recommend having a much bigger budget than I had.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Explore your city. The expensive places are the most visible but once I explored I was able to find quite a few restaurants with full meal (with wine/beer) for 5-6 euros. Those places were often my favorite restaurants too.

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? Beginner
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
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? I spent all my time hanging out with Americans, watching shows I could watch at home, and listening to American Top 40 songs and I did not meet my language goals. Hang out with locals as much as possible and listen to Spanish programs/music.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Friendly Staff
  • Central location
  • Coordinated lots of cultural events
* What could be improved?
  • More language submersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I need more 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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.