This Semester Changed My Life Past Review
By Elaine S (Therapeutic Recreation, University of Tennessee - Knoxville) for
ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
This past semester opened my eyes so much culturally. I really do not know if I can put inot wors what studying abroad did for me. I learned more about myself than I ever thought I could and it made me more open to new experiences, people and places. Since studying abroad, I definitely would like to travel more and eventually live in a Spanish speaking country for some time.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Acessability and services of the program on site in Barcelona was great. I liked the program size- not too large, not too small. I felt that the program was a little unorganized with planned trips. Staff seemed well educated on the country and were willing to help when it was needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Undoutedly the best decision I made was to live with a host family. It was a little far from my campuses (about a 45 min-hour walk) but I loved it. Living a little farther enabled me to get to know the city better and better navigate my way around. I felt pretty safe in my neighborhood, but of course was always catious. I lived with one American student who was my roommate and a 67 year old woman, Elena. We were treated like her own children-she was absolutely wonderful! Always wanted to help us with anything and practiced our Spanish with us every night at dinner. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived in a homestay and my senora did not speak hardly any English. I practiced in class with my teacher and classmates and also a lot with my senora in my homestay. I needed to use Spanish every day because of my living situation. Most everyone at my university there spoke English, but in general,the people in Barcelona did not. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone willing to be open to new experiences and really try to learn the language there. |
