An experience that allowed me to better decide my future career. Past Review
By Obse Tolla (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 05/20/2019 to 07/20/2019 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The two months I spent in Barcelona, Spain was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and the people around me. The challenges I faced allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, and broaden my horizon. My communication skills improved tremendously. I am now able to communicate and relate to many more people than before. I learned to have respect and try to understand people based on their backgrounds, culture, and many more additional factors.
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
Yes! I definitely would. Barcelona, Spain will always have a special place in my heart. |
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) |
Everything was covered through the total cost for the trip except for food and other personal expenses. So, I was responsible for purchasing my daily meals. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300-$450 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work and save as much as you can for personal expenses. For example, food, souvenirs, traveling...etc |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | The locals will try to speak English to you, so it is also important that you learn some phrases and make an effort. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew then to practice a bit more Spanish. I was sort of ignorant, thinking I did not have to make that effort because the locals will make the effort and speak English to me. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
Featured Program Providers
