Barcelona Inspire Past Review
By Kevin H (Hospitality Administration, Colorado State University) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 04/24/2015 with
SAI Study Abroad: Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB)
I learned so much from this trip, especially about myself and the world around me. Every second was worth it.
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 |
SAI Staff in Barcelona are amazing! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
very nice, centrally located in very safe neighborhood in the middle of the city |
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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? |
Very easy process and the doctors speak english |
| * Safety: |
As with all big cities, keep personal items close, otherwise very safe. |
| 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) |
Make some meals at home and you are set! |
| 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? | Cook in groups or make bulk foods that can be held for leftovers. Potlucks are cool ideas too. Plus try some recipes from the host country. |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 4 |
| 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? | Take 2 sections of Spanish to really dive into the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Save some more money before, but also don't let it hold you back. It was a once in a lifetime so take opportunities that present themselves! |
