Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Barcelona- The city that opened my eyes tothe world Past Review

By (business administration, Montclair State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Best decision I have made so far! It changed me for the better in so many ways! I had such an amazing time and met the most incredible people. It has definitely opened my views on the world and how we are not only limited to our home country. It has made me very interested in working with a global company as well

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.

The workload was reasonable the grading system was 1-10. But the exams are a completely different format then in the US. Teaching methods were different as well they expect you to go beyond there teaching in the classroom in order to do good on the exams

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They knew what they were talking about and were very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Residencia Onix it was very nice and safe. It had everything you needed near by. The only thing I didn't like was that it was mostly Americans living there.

* Food:

Spanish food is good but in my opinion not the best not the greatest. There's a really good sandwich place called Do De B by the beach which I recommend

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really like how we got to see Madrid, Toledo, and Valencia was ISA but I wish there was more trips

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Barcelona is VERY big on pick pocketing so definitely be careful!! 25% of students that study abroad in Barcelona get robbed at least one. I have to say, I think it's more!

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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Every professor spoke English, the ISA staff spoke English, and generally speaking most spaniards knew at least the basics in english. But when I went outside the classroom I did speak out of Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people and the options, they were very helpful
* What could be improved?
  • Adding a included international trip like the other programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Barcelona is such an amazing city and ISA does a terrific job in show you what it has to offer!