The True Barcelona Experience Past Review
By katie.duncan.505 (Wofford College) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/18/2014 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
It was absolutely worthwhile! I gained a better appreciation for culture. I learned so much about myself and Barcelona itself. I significantly improved my language skills.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had my first ever complex migraine while abroad and had to get an MRI, see a neurologist and make several doctors appointments and an IES staff members came with me and translated for me. Olga is the greatest!! |
* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 definitely had to be very careful with my money. I didn't even travel outside of Spain while I was abroad and I came back in a LOT of debt to my parents. Daily life in Barcelona is pretty pricey. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out trips in advance. Take advantage of hostels. Split dishes with friends! Ask locals about good deals! |
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 |
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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? | Beginner |
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? | Speak it! Speak it! Speak it! That is truly the best way to learn. Don't be afraid to look dumb speaking another language. People appreciate your effort! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Save more money before going! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |