Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

abroad changed my outlook on life February 03, 2021

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/07/2020 to 04/23/2021 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about how globalized our world is, about different cultures and how to be more independent

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

the food in Barcelona is AMAZING

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

IES gave us proper safety lectures during our first few days there which was very helpful.

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

The IES center staff was friendly and willing to help with any questions or concerns, they seem to care about the well-being and success of their students

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? $200/week +
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? be strategic about spending! I spend most of my money on gifts, food and experiences...

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? high school spanish for four years
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? really try to speak with people in their language! they'll appreciate you trying

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • independence
  • wide variety of activities
* What could be improved?
  • their response to us being sent home due to covid
  • be more clear about course work
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? try to be as outgoing as possible in the beginning of your time abroad, it will lead to you meeting more people as well as lead you on more adventures !

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Science & Society
Course Department: Liberal Arts
Instructor: Anna
Instruction Language: English
Comments: the course was challenging but I have never taken a class like this in my entire time at UVM. we chatted about the intersection of society and science and how they co-exsist in our world today. it was extremely eye-opening and interesting, and our professor was extremely passionate.
Credit Transfer Issues: no