Finding myself in a catalan city. Past Review

By Chris O (Finance And Economics, Bentley University) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/13/2012 with

Universidad de Pompeu Fabra (UPF): Barcelona - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I found out more about myself and what is really important to me. I learned about different cultures I became more open minded. One of the most important things for me is that I also became more patient about life. Seeing so many beatiful things kind of knocks you down to a humble level. You begin to want to travel more and studying in Barcelona at UPF I have never learned so much about a city than I have there. I lived by NYC and Boston and can tell you more about Barca then those two cities combined now. Great experience I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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.	The program was at least equally difficult as my home university if not more in certain classes. Classes were not treated as a vacation and you will come here to learn if you put in the time.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	If you are put into a program like CIEE or others then your program takes care of you. Although if you are an exchange student be sure to check with the office at all times as they do not always email you what you need to be doing as an example of when classes officially start.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I would get an apartment and stay away from the dorms. I got an apartment and as long as you have good roommates its an awesome experienece.
* Food:	Food on campus is great try the crouissant de chocolates and their meals inside the caf after 12.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	This really depends on how much effort you put in. The school has intercambios that you can interact with students but if you do not take any UPF classes instead of the study abroad classes then it will be much more difficult meeting local students.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Had no problems but healthcare is not a problem here.
* Safety:	There were riots but police were everywhere to make me feel safer. Although riots may bother you do not be alarmed they are almost always harmless.
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)	If you try to spend about $150 a week then I would say that would be the average. Some weeks I would only spend on groceries thus spending maybe 30 euros at most. With friends visiting maybe 150 euros for the week. Need to take certain things into account.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	About $150 on average.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Yes. For traveling do not use trains when going to other countries. Use airbnb.com for apartments much cheaper than hostiles and safer for that matter. When using ryanair print boarding passes way in advance and do not reserve seats not worth the cost. For food shop at mercadona do not shop at small stores as much. Buy alcohol before 11 otherwise prices get more expensive. Try to crash at friends apartments around europe to save money. At clubs if you do not get in for free prob not worth it unless its razzmataz or Apollo. Cook more than eating out much much cheaper. Most locals eat at home.

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?	Basic Spanish College Level
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?	Try a harder class than your use to, talk to the locals everyday. Find Spanish friends and ask how they are doing and try to talk to them a lot too.

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	Americans 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?	Classes / Rigour Exposure to local culture Location
* What could be improved?	International Office Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I took a UPF class instead of the study abroad classes.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Barcelona City and its History
Course Department:	HESP
Instructor:	N/A
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class educated me the most about the culture of Barcelona old and new. There is a lot of reading every class but trust me the reading is worth it. The lectures can be at times boring but the class discussions never failed to entertain me. We would discuss any little detail if brought up. So class discussions are really where the class takes it. I would highly suggest this class if you want to learn about the city.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No trouble at all, the class transfers back as a simple history class.

Course Name/Rating:	International Economics
Course Department:	ESCI
Instructor:	Louis Mosella
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	If you have classes pass fail I would certainly take this class. Although I did not and did not receive the best grade this class is certainly difficult but you will learn a lot. I have been through econ classes through three different universities and this class was among the hardest I have taken. The teacher breaks down Europe's economics situation in simple terms and does not waste time with anything. If you want to learn and be challenged take this class but do not underestimate how much work you will have to put in to do well in this class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Transfers back as a Economics elective no problem transferring back for my school