Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Success in Spain Past Review

By (Art, Berea College) - abroad from 06/21/2015 to 07/22/2015 with

KIIS: Barcelona - Experience Barcelona (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained some Spanish skills, though that wasn't the point of the trip. The point was art, and I learned a lot being able to see the pieces in person and being able to draw from life while there. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to save up money beforehand specifically for food and non-program expenses. The college and KIIS are very willing to help with program stuff, but you WILL want to do other things, and they may not provide food, so you want to have money for that. Also, budget - if you say $100 a week, don't spend over $100 a week.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 4 (High School)
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? Get a small phrasebook or audiobook and just flip through it every now and then. The little phrases do help! Listening to music or tv shows in the target language helps a lot too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • everything
* What could be improved?
  • more pre-trip preparation help from KIIS
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd known more things about how the locals are and what the place is like before going. I was kind of just thrown in - I wish KIIS provided some more of that.

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!