Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable semester Past Review

By (Communication Sciences And Disorders, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/07/2014 to 04/29/2014 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a stronger grasp of the Spanish language and learned a lot about the Spanish/ Catalan culture. I also became more independent as a person. Studying abroad is definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very hesitant about living in a homestay at first but I was pleasantly surprised at how well my living situation turned out. In living in a homestay, I was able to further explore the Spanish culture and improve my Spanish skills.

* 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:

Although pickpocketing in Barcelona is prevalent, other forms of crime are not.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-75 Euros

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN 610D At UT
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? Participate in an intercambio program, where you are paired with a local who will speak with you in Spanish to help you with the language and then speak with you in English in hopes to improve their English skills. Try speaking the local language in public settings.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes offered about local aspects of Barcelona
  • Having a local teach my Spanish Class
  • Interactive field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Ways for Students to meet each other
  • The orientation
  • The amount of "busy work" given as homework
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more generally about Barcelona before I went on the program.

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 Urbanite
A 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Sp301i
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Pep Ingles
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course helped me so much with my Spanish. If you are going to take this course, take it with Pep Ingles! He is the best Spanish teacher I have ever had.
Credit Transfer Issues: