A very different semester - BCA Barcelona - University of Barcelona Past Review
By A student (Molecular bio and Spanish, Messiah College) - abroad from 09/02/2012 to 12/16/2012 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned a lot about myself as a person and a different perspective on the US, and for that reason it was worthwhile.
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. |
I took 15 credits, which is a light semester compared to normal for me at my University. I had very homework, (but for an abroad experience that is better) and I still learned a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Staff is experienced and very nice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The program puts you with host families, which is the best for learning the language and really integrating into the culture. There's a lot of things I would have missed out on if not for this aspect. |
| * Food: |
It all depends on the host family you're with. Mine could cook, and well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You have to make the effort to be involved, but there's opportunities if you look for them- especially if you try to connect with your host family. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Barcelona is a very safe city. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and don't do stupid things like go clubbing alone, you're fine. I always walked around/ rode the metro by myself- even at midnight, and was 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) |
I took 3 weekend trips as well and spent about $2000 for the semester. All your meals are provided by the host family, so there's no added expense for room or board and the rest just depends on how much you want to get coffee/ party. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | when not traveling, about $20-40 |
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 |
All classes are in Spanish, and so is life with your host family. |
| 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? | a few 300 level classes |
| How many hours per day did you use 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? | more Spanish |
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! |
