Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I dream of Barcelona Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was VERY worth it. I gained a new perspective and lifelong friends. If I could do it again I'd deal with all the homesickness

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't feel overwhelmed but was still busy. My professors were thoughtful and fun while still challenging me academically as well as my beliefs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was an amazing person who made us feel like a part of her family.

* Food:

As previously mentioned my host mom was great and her food was equally delicious,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't get the opportunity to take area classes but I did get to meet local college students and form long lasting friendships with them. I loved the culture of Barcelona and I felt like a part of it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues but I know friends who had to go to the doctor and our center found her a clinic and offered to accompany her. Professors were also on call 24/7 to take students to the hospital

* Safety:

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

I love the city, I dream of walking the streets again and eating chocolate con churros and patatas bravas.

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)

The program provided breakfast and dinner, I come from a low income family so I tried to make my money last as much as possible. I lived close enough to school that I walked there and back. I almost never ate out, though there were cheap places to eat

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Mercadona or Consum, not the tiny corner stores.

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

My classes were all in Spanish and my host-mom only spoke Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish was my first language
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 to your host families, meet locals, make an effort to only speak Spanish with your program friends

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?
  • Host Family
  • Professors
  • Barcelona
* What could be improved?
  • Matching up roommates could be improved
  • Longer center hours
  • A bigger center library
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought more "fancy" clothes, especially because I didn't plan on having an internship.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.