Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worth Wild Experience Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 04/24/2015 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was the best experience I ever had. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity where you learn more about yourself, the world and people you would never normally meet. I had an amazing time learning and exploring a new culture and country. I walked into my homestay with no idea of the language but my host family was so welcoming it was hardly a problem and in the end I had a spectacular time. There were challenges like the language but that made the whole experience worth it and I am so much better for studying abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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 was in a homestay with a local family and didn't know the language when I first arrived. But it wasn't a huge problem and my host family was very welcoming to me. Overall, it was a great experience and I learned a lot from it.

* 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:

Overall, Barcelona is a safe city. I never felt unsafe but it is important to remember you are in a foreign country and to make smart and safe decisions. Also pick pocketing is a huge issue in Barcelona so just be aware of your stuff. I was never robbed when I was there so don't worry too much about it. Awareness is key when traveling.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School level 3
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? Be confident and not afraid to make mistakes. People really do want to help you learn if you are making an effort.

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?
  • Helpfulness
  • Safety
  • Langauge encouragement
* What could be improved?
  • Punctually
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? About how important language is and I should of studied more before I went abroad. I was not as prepared for the language barrier as I should have been. Thankfully, a lot of people were able to help me and I learned how to manage on my own as well.

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.