Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Transformative, thought-provoking, and an absolute blast. - BCA Barcelona - University of Barcelona Past Review

By (HISTORY., Tufts University) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile. I was able to learn about culture, history, day-to-day life, food, clothing, philosophy, and most importantly, myself. It gave me new zest for life and made me much happier to learn that there is so much more wonderful things to the world than advertised.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat as much at home as you can, it serves a benefit to learn the language, become a family with your homestay and really learn the subtle nuances of the culture you are inhabiting.

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? 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? Intermediate Spanish College Course
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? Don't be afraid to speak, find friends from the country and ask them to help you out.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 Homestay Family
  • Location of their apartment
  • Simply being in Barcelona
* What could be improved?
  • Almost nothing. It was perfect.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you'd be completely on your own when dealing with your home university. It took 3 months to enter in a transcript, which affected my class schedule for the summer and fall. That's pretty unacceptable, considering that all of my friends who chose to go outside of a Tufts program had the exact same issues with credits. Had they told me the process, it would have been okay, but I was left in the dark which is not fair at all.

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.