Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The adventure of a lifetime Past Review

By (Marketing., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 04/25/2014 with

IFSA: Barcelona - Design Thinking, Business, and Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself, others, other cultures, how to live on my own, how to balance my new social life, a different language, etc. It was so worthwhile and I want to go back!

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.

I really liked my classes. I took a six hour Spanish class, which I could apply to my daily life in Spain. I also took an International Marketing class, which was a cool experience to take in another country. Further, I had a six hour internship class, so I was able to have an internship, and earn international professional experience as well as credit hours.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved my program directors- they were always there for me, helpful, and informative! Ryan and Helena helped make my experience better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a residencia, and it was really cool to be able to live with 15 other international students and learn more about different cultures.

* Food:

I cooked for myself, but the Spanish cuisine was delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated because I talked in Spanish, knew a lot about Spain, and hung out with some locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Barcelona is a very safe city. When walking alone at night, I never felt in danger. The only crime there is nonviolent.

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)

I spent about $600 a month on food and personal expenses, but it was still cheaper than attending Trinity.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy too many unnecessary things - small trinkets, junk food, expensive drinks.

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? level 1
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? Use it as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The internship
  • the location
  • the different opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • less hours talking about cultural differences
  • more day trip options
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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.