Life Changing experience August 27, 2023
By Annabelle B (Interior Design, Colorado State University) - abroad from 01/03/2023 to 05/29/2023 with
SAI Study Abroad: Barcelona - Elisava, Barcelona School of Design
I learned so much about myself. Getting out of my comfort zone and moving to a new country was such an incredible decision. I met some really amazing people, and showed myself how strong I was. It was so worthwhile and I cannot wait to go back to Barcelona.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
The SAI staff were so amazing. They knew everyone by name, checked in and were always there to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
SAI programs was helpful before leaving, while studying abroad, and after coming home. All of their staff are so kind. I loved the experience with both SAI and Elisava. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook at your apartment! Going out to eat is cheaper than in the United States but it still adds up, thats a great way to save money and integrate into the culture a little more. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how much I would spend on school supplies. There were a lot of materials needed that we weren't told about and those expenses piled up. In addition, course load was heavy but we were warned about that before starting class. It would have been helpful to know that before leaving the states though. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
