Becoming a Local in Barcelona Past Review
By Camden S (Spanish, University of Tulsa) - abroad from 06/15/2015 to 07/17/2015 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
There is not enough space in this box to describe what I learned from studying abroad, but it was definitely worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although I found the course to be fantastic, and I learned a lot. I do wish that the class had been a bit more intense. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES Administration is very helpful, thoughtful, and caring. They do their jobs well to make sure your study abroad experience is unforgettable! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
IES does a fantastic job providing multiple living arrangements. I chose to stay in a homestay which was fantastic. My house was in a safe neighborhood, and it felt like I was living in a hotel the house was so nice. My family was fantastic, and we quickly became friends. |
| * Food: |
It's Barcelona. In case you haven't heard yet, there is some amazing food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I began to recognize people on the metro to school each day and attended neighborhood/city wide events. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never needed to use the healthcare services. However, it was made clear what I needed to do in the case of an emergency. |
| * Safety: |
Barcelona is a safe city. However, you must be very smart about your actions. Pick pockets and thieves are everywhere. Make sure that, when drinking, you are always with a group and that you do not go overboard. Know your limits, try not to look like a tourist, and you'll be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 spent a lot of money in Barcelona, but I made sure to not miss any part of their culture or events. Therefore, I often indulged myself when I went out. I also shopped a lot and bought many souvenirs. However, one can manage on a small budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | "El Menu del Dia" at lunch (at almost every restaurant in the city) is the best price for the most food. I'd highly recommend always getting it. Also, although there are some fantastic breakfast places, breakfast is often smaller than we are used to. Try to adapt and order fewer items than normal. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
From the time we entered our classroom to the time we were out of our professor's sight, we were only allowed to speak Spanish. Furthermore, the homestays only speak Spanish to you (although, there are always exceptions). |
| 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? | 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? | Many people in Barcelona speak, and will try to speak to you in, English. You simply must insist on only speaking Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* 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? | You are going to want to stay even longer, so choose a longer IES Summer program. |
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! |
