MOST AMAZING 3.5 MONTHS!!! Past Review

By (Communications, University of Dayton) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/16/2015 with

SAI Study Abroad: Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture and myself. Being away from home and in a completely different environment allows you to learn so much about yourself which is really cool.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was the perfect amount of school work and allowed me to learn a lot about Spain and Barcelona. I also met awesome people through school and classes.

* 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? around $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't blow your money the first couple of weeks here! Tempting but save it

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? Beginner
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 200
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? Continue to attempt using the language! You want to get the most out of it and what better place and time to use it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Hands on
  • Involved
  • Not cliquey
* What could be improved?
  • More activities during the week
  • Food/wine tasting classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to pack better for the 3.5 months here