Life-changing Past Review
By Jake W (ENGINEERING., Stevens Institute of Technology) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 04/25/2014 with
AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona
I learned about life outside of the United States, and I also learned a lot about myself. It was worth every penny and every second.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were interesting, yet not too intense that they took away time from experiencing another country |
|
* 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? |
I had one health issue, and it was addressed immediately and fully reimbursed under the insurance program. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened while traveling around Barcelona |
| 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) |
Barcelona is not as expensive as other cities, but it still is rather expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 80 Euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a flask if you plan on going to clubs in Barcelona. The drinks are ridiculously expensive. |
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? | High School |
| 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? | Talk to everyone, and watch/listen to Spanish tv/music |
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? | 0 |
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? | I now know that, while going to a new program allows you to start fresh, you bring all your previous experiences with you. Stay true to yourself while pushing yourself; get out of your comfort zone and experience life in a different country. Also, don't take it too seriously - this is supposed to be fun! |
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. |
