Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences., Elmhurst University) - 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?
I learned that there might be a wrong way to do things but there is most definitely more than one right way of doing things. Different ways of life give you different cultural insights that will help you learn more about yourself and the world that you live in.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Barcelona - IES Abroad Barcelona Center Photo IES Abroad: Barcelona - IES Abroad Barcelona Center Photo

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.

Time-consuming. Heavy on readings-I highly suggest investing in a tablet. If you have an iPad, Notability is a great app as it allows you to organize your notes and highlight/markup your texts as you go along. Also convenient when traveling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AWESOME and super helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a home-stay and my host parents were awesome, but I wish I had the opportunity to have my own room since there were empty rooms in the flat (I shared my room with a roommate).

* Food:

Far healthier and tastier than American cuisine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely had to work hard to integrate myself, such as by taking salsa classes. But it was a lot of fun once I met locals!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Pick-pocketing and thievery are very common so closely guard your stuff. Other than that, there is barely any serious danger to your safety and well-being.

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)

I chose the most economical option - the home-stay - which provided me with breakfast and dinner daily. Lunch was my daily cost, and even that wasn't expensive once I knew where to shop.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Skip the Starbucks latte and opt for coffee from places like CarreFour - it's 1 euro for a cup of coffee. Also, planning trips in advance saves a lot of money on airline tickets.

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

There were zones in the building where English wasn't allowed. I also had and AMAZING Spanish professor who was whole-heartedly invested in teaching us Spanish, which was really great.

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? Intermediate
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? I mean this in the nicest way possible: STAY AWAY FROM AMERICANS WHO AREN'T INVESTED IN LEARNING THE LANGUAGE THE WAY YOU ARE. Instead, work hard to make Spanish friends or find people who will speak the language with you. Show interest in learning the language and take part in an intercambio if you have the opportunity.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location.
  • The staff/professors.
  • The numerous opportunities.
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation could have been shorter.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what to pack: fall is both really hot and fairly cold. I wish I had done a better job packing.

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.