Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Experience Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most important thing that I learned while I was abroad was that I could do so much more than I ever thought I could. I believe, to really make the most out of your study abroad experience, you have to just immerse yourself in absolutely as much as you can. Though it can seem overwhelming at times, it is, I think, the best way to do study abroad. That way, when you're leaving you can feel confident that you did all that you could have. Being abroad gives you the opportunity to learn so much about yourself that you can't learn while being in your comfort zone.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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

  • 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?
  • The Students
  • The Location
  • The Classes
* What could be improved?
  • The Grading System
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had a lot of time to think about all that I wanted to do and all about the program and city before I went, so I was pretty prepared before I left for the program. But, I wish that people had told me to involve myself more with locals. Take classes at local universities (which IES offers), and don't be shy and go up and meet the locals whenever you can. That way you learn more about the city and the culture (and you get to practice your spanish), while having fun with people your age!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.