Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Barcelona is a great place to study, with easy navigation and friendly locals. Past Review

By (Cottey College) - abroad from 01/04/2019 to 03/21/2019 with

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about culture and integration.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were simple and straightforward with a lot of interaction with the other students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration in Barcelona were amazing. They made me feel at home and always gave the option to come hangout at the office with them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did the home stay in Barcelona and absolutely loved my situation. I had all the freedom as everyone else but with the added benefit of a meal twice a day. I also got to practice my language skills with my house mom as she only spoke Spanish.

* Food:

The food is a lot of seafood and pork which happen to be my least favorite meats, so I have a bit of a negative bias. The food was all very affordable and delicious, if you like spicy food this is not the place for you unless you bring your own spices.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The locals were all very welcoming especially if you tried to speak with them in Spanish. The transportation through the city was all very easy to navigate and got me to where I was going in a timely manner.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As long as you pay attention to your belongings and surroundings you will be very safe in Barcelona. The biggest issue is pickpockets and as a female catcalling, for the second one I just wore headphones while walking down the street and didn’t have any issues.

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)

Had I had the money from the school at an earlier time, the cost of living in Barcelona was very cost effective.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do lunch/late afternoon specials, they have them at almost every restaurant and it is a lot of great food.

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

They were very encouraging and even had programs to help you practice 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? Intermediate
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?
  • The culture experience
  • Spending time with my host mom
* What could be improved?
  • M/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wouldn’t have funds until almost the end of my program.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!