Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful semester in Barcelona! Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was afforded many moments of growth, success, exploration, and reflection. I will carry such memories throughout my life. Honestly, a majority of these moments occurred while abroad. I can’t fathom my life now without having such an experience to fondly look back on. I went abroad hoping to push my boundaries, see the world through different lenses, and connect with people whom I may never have the chance to. I achieved all of those goals in the span of four months and hope to never forget the euphoric feeling that each new day in Europe brought. 

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?

* 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

I loved the city of Barcelona and I feel as though the IES program provided every resource necessary to take advantage of what the city has to offer.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euro

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 204
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • International Students
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 mother
  • Central location of the program center.
  • Accessibility to other major cities.
* What could be improved?
  • Access to locals through classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the re-entry shock students experience when they return to their respective countries.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'