Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IES Barcelona Past Review

By (Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 05/24/2016 to 07/09/2016 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My listening skills in Spanish definitely improved, and for that I am so thankful. I also gained a larger appreciation for people from different walks of life than my own. It is so interesting to meet somebody close to your age from the other side of the world and to see how similar, yet different, your lives are.

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.

IES provides competent and knowledgable faculty, who are committed to student success, as well as challenging everybody to learn.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program administration members were always available to answer questions and to help students, prior to and after arrival in Barcelona. They were diligent in responding to concerns, and truly have your best interests at heart.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, I enjoyed my apartment experience. I was fortunate to live close to the IES Center, while some of my friends were a little farther away. My personal apartment was easy to adjust to and felt like home fast.

* Food:

Two words: patatas bravas. Oh, and tapas. The food was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated with the local culture pretty early on. The IES staff definitely wants students to go out into the community and try to interact with locals, and most locals were very hospitable and received students very well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was lucky enough to stay healthy while abroad, however, one of my friends was very sick for the first couple of days. IES made sure that we all had health insurance in the event that we were sick so they could help us out.

* Safety:

Safety was something that I was very cognizant about for the entirety of my time abroad. Overall, I always felt safe in Barcelona. Pick pocketing is a very big issue over there, and I was fortunate enough to not have had anything stolen from me. However, I definitely would not advise walking alone at night and always being in a group. You can never be too careful.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Yes, if I could redo it all over again with the same people. I was so fortunate to meet so many amazing people and make great friendships.

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)

1.5 - it was very difficult, then again, I lived in an apartment, where meals were not provided. My friends who lived in homes with host families were definitely able to save more money. It all comes down to how much you eat and what you order at each meal.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't have an exact number, but I am guessing it averaged about 80 euros per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Really think about what you are buying and whether or not you need it. It is cliché, but oftentimes you really won't need 2 scoops of gelato over 1, or that huge souvenir that you're buying for somebody you barely know.

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? 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? Your listening skills will definitely improve before your speaking skills. Still, don't be shy and use Spanish or the native language as much as possible! Many locals appreciated the effort, and would even help out sometimes if you were struggling. You will also learn more by using it and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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 people (students, program staff)
  • The IES Center
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I hadn't had been so scared before going - IES definitely helps out and tries their best to make sure everything goes smoothly. Trust the process!

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.