Barcelona! Past Review
By Stephanie F (Marketing., Northeastern University) - abroad from 05/31/2013 to 07/12/2013 with
Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain
I learned how to adapt to another country's culture. It was 100% worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The class intensity at UAB in Barcelona were perfect for the summer. There was a good balance of work and free time. The facilities were very accommodating. Besides a few printing issues, I didn't have many problems at UAB. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My apartment was in a great location. Although I had 4 roommates, we had 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms, nice size kitchen, and a GIANT living room/common area. |
| * Food: |
The food in Barcelona is amazing. You'll fall in love with traditional tapas! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Around week 4 of the 6 week program I started to feel very comfortable with the local culture. By the 5th week, I felt like I had been there for months! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Barcelona is known for its tourists and, as a result, known for its pick-pockets and thieves. As long as you are incredibly aware and careful, you won't have any issues. I didn't have anything stollen from me during my trip but I had a few friends who did. All the occurrences could have been avoided with a little more caution. |
| 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 very easy - Barcelona is expensive! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-$200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look into restaurants and clubs BEFORE you go out and plan your trip accordingly. Many places have specials and ways to get in for free but you have to do a little research. |
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 level 5 |
| 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? | Speak with locals as much as possible! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The locals aren't as scary as you'd think! Most of them are sweet and helpful! |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
