Great experience Past Review

By Benjamin J (Plan II/Economics, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 07/12/2014 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Learned about how much exists outside of our spectrum. It's easy to forget that we are part of such a global community. The trip made me appreciate everything I take for granted in the US.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Teachers cared about teaching us, but understood the mindset of summer study abroad students.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Helped with any problem you had - both academic and cultural
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Amazing host family.
* Food:	Surprisingly enjoyed Spanish food. House mom cooked a 3 course meal every night.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Had to go the doctor once. IES set up the appointment and I was able to go the same day I asked. Doctor spoke English and was helpful.
* Safety:	Barcelona has a reputation for being a prime location for theft. Be aware of your surroundings (don't be stupid) and you will be fine.
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)	Barcelona is pretty expensive, especially compared to the rest of Spain. Plus the Euro exchange rate doesn't help.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Eat at home - it's built into the program 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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Spanish III in high school
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 in Spanish as much as possible

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Apartment
* 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?	Nightlife/Food/Social scene in Barcelona Host family Relaxed Spanish way of life
* What could be improved?	More spanish between students outside class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Pack light!

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:	International Marketing
Course Department:
Instructor:	Moran, Jay
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Awesome class. Professor Moran made it interesting with a wide variety of case studies, articles, and in class exercises.
Credit Transfer Issues: