Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE EVER!! Past Review

By (Advertising., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/07/2014 to 04/30/2014 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
For one thing, I learned a lot more spanish and was able to integrate with an entirely different culture. Also, I had the opportunity to travel to different countries and gain a full appreciation of each of their cultures. It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it again if I could!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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 ended up living at a home stay with another roommate and it was an amazing experience! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to gain a better cultural experience!

* 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:

Pick pocketing was a huge issue there. Do not take valuables out with you.

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)

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Americans from different schools across the states
* What could be improved?
  • Could offer more incentives in the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How little the program offered in terms of free incentives (like offering free trips or something else). Program was very expensive and all of their extras they offered you had to pay for.