Past Review

By Melissa G (Spanish and Anthropology, Austin College) for

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Studying abroad was the best decision I made in college. Learning to adjust to such culture shock and going through such nerve wrecking experiences at the end of the day was so much fun. Looking back, I learned alot about myself, and being independent. The Spanish culture is so awesome, and in particular the Catalan culture in Barcelona was very cool to see all the differences between people in one country, and all the different cultures within one big culture. I learned alot about another culture, along with about myself.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Pompeu Fabra
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	All of the ISA program directors were great. They split us up into groups and we each had our own mentor, and I loved my mentor. She was always there for me, and even went with a couple students to the doctor. Everyone was very helpful and very friendly.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family was amazing. Living with a host family really helps you immerse in the culture it was the best decision of studying abroad
* Food:	it was basically my home away from home.
* 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

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?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I would recommend using ISA, but maybe picking a different university because at Pompeu Fabra we were not allowed to take class with Spanish students, we have to take classes at the "international prgram" which is basically just all american students, even if the classes are in spanish it is still with other american students from other study abroad programs. however, the program of ISA was great, but another university would be better, i know the kids that went to UAB got to study with spanish students.