SAI Barcelona in a Nutshell Past Review
By Bailey L (Graphic Design, St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 04/22/2015 with
SAI Study Abroad: Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB)
I have learned many things from this experience, it is hard to explain them all. I think most importantly, other than the cultural aspects of Spain and general knowledge about traveling, I learned a lot about myself as a person and what I am looking for further down the line in my life. Being abroad teaches you lessons that you would never learn in a classroom. You have real life experiences that you have to face and deal with and you also are forced to become independent, which is a good thing. You're going to miss home, but thats normal. If I were to look at myself before this program, I can honestly tell you that I was a completely different person. I've learned what really matters in my life and not to waste time on little insignificant things or people. My communication skills are better than they've ever been. Like I said, its hard to sum it up all in one paragraph, but those are the big ones.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience was great. The classes are challenging, but allow you some freedom as well. The courses that are offered are very diverse and interesting topics. The resources were the only thing that was slightly problematic. The computer lab never seems to be open and many times, you would have to pay out of pocket for required field trips or supplies. Other than that, it was a great experience and I would definitely go back for another semester if I could. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our leader Mireia, was absolutely awesome. She is always so helpful and kind with anything the student needs. She really invests her time into her students and tries to make their time abroad the best. She is always giving suggestions for events going on in the area or notifying us when certain due dates are coming up. She organized really fun excursions that are totally worth your time! I knew I could always go to her with any problem, day or night and she would be there to help. She was my mom away from home! :) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were excellent. The location was great and the size was perfect. To most people, it might be considered kind of small, but for me it was all I needed. All the amenities that are included were very satisfactory as well. If we ever had a problem, the maintenance staff would always be there ASAP to fix the problem. |
| * Food: |
The food in Spain was great. It is easy however to get groceries for yourself if you don't like the food here. They eat quite a lot of seafood here being that Barcelona is located on the water. Before coming here, I didn't care for seafood so much, but now I can't imagine a diet without it! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is really important to seek out your own cultural events while abroad. Unfortunately, the school (UAB) is strictly study abroad students, so you won't get your cultural exposures there. I volunteered in an elementary school every week, so that really integrated me with the local culture and also gave me an opportunity to give back to the community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally didn't have any health issues while here other than a common cold, but I know that if I would have, I would have been taken care of. The student insurance covers everything and our program leader also was always willing to set us up with doctors if we needed. |
| * Safety: |
Barcelona is a safe city, but you also have to have common sense. Any big city, there will be pickpockets and people who will try to rip you off. I never had any experiences throughout my entire time here where I felt unsafe. If you stick to the buddy system, don't act like a total tourist and be smart, you will be completely fine. |
| 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) |
3. I budgeted quite extensively for my time abroad and I still ended up spending more on some things than I had anticipated. It is good to have a budget, but also be aware of unexpected costs that may come up-for me a broken camera, lost phone....You are of course in charge of how much you want to spend, but just make sure you have a little padding in case you get put in a situation where you need some extra cash. Some good ways to save money is to buy your own groceries and cook for yourself, and minimize shopping for things you can buy back in the US. Save your money for experiences, not material items. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150-$200 depending on the week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Enstill a "save every penny" mentality in your head from the beginning so you have a little extra at the end to spend on a weekend trip instead of missing out on opportunities because you ran out of money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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 |
It was encouraging, but not necessary. I spoke zero spanish before coming to Spain, and I also didn't take any spanish courses while over here. I still was able to get by just fine by picking up on survival phrases while living here. If you want to practice, the program leader, Mireia, would be more than willing to talk to you completely in spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | No Spanish courses |
| 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? | If you are looking to learn a new language, than its a great place to do so. For me, I wasn't looking to improve my language skills as much as I was looking to experience other things about the culture. Its all what you make of it. If you want to only speak spanish for the entire time, I am sure you would be completely fluent be the end of the program. |
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? |
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? | Can't think of anything |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
