IES Barcelona: la mejor experiencia de mi vida Past Review

By (University of Virginia) - 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?
This was the most worthwhile experience I could ever imagine. As a foreign affairs major, this was the absolute best opportunity for me to learn about the world in an immersive and engaging setting. The faculty were incredible and always there to help or talk to. The classes were probably more challenging than most study abroad classes, but I learned so much, and it definitely was not too much work because I traveled or explored Barcelona every weekend! For the city specifically, Barcelona is the best! There are endless amounts of things to do, the weather is gorgeous, and it is a central travel hub so getting around Europe is so easy. I miss it so much and this experience will be one that I will never ever forget. 10/10 would recommend Barcelona and IES!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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

Before I left, IES was very communicative with all the necessary information about things to do before departure. It all feels very overwhelming at first, but IES explained all the steps, including housing, Visas, and more in a clear and immensely helpful way. They offered a wide variety of classes so I was able to take some in my field as well as others that fascinated me. I can say with certainty that the quality of the education IES provides is amazing.

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)

It really depends of your housing and how much you want to travel. I would try to save up as much as possible - I spent almost all my money by the end of the semester.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use skyscanner.com to find cheap flights and always check whether Airbnbs or hostels are cheaper in the city you travel to - I found that Airbnbs were actually cheaper in most places. Also, try not to go out for lunch too often so you can save it for traveling and going out on the weekend.

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? Intermediate

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
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff and Faculty
  • Education and Classes
  • Scheduled so I could travel or explore the city every weekend
* What could be improved?
  • less discrepency in quality of apartments for the same price
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Although there are lot of steps before departure and it all seems overwhelming, it all comes together, so don't stress!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.