Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Better than expected Past Review

By (Business, Framingham State University) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 01/24/2015 with

AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a very rewarding experience. Even 9 months later, I still rave about it. The people and culture there are just so different. I was also not expecting the people to be so friendly. I'm from the North East so it was complete 180 from what I'm used to.

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.

* 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)

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? Buy the metro month pass-in the long run it is cheaper

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

I lived with a host family which was the only language component. In terms of living, the program put my very minimal Spanish skills to the test.

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? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 included trips
  • The host family-now (at the time I didn't care for it)
* What could be improved?
  • More advise on metro passes
  • More information on the host family prior to departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. I wish my attitude was different at the time. I was kind of negative while there. It occurred to me after how lucky I was to 1. be able to go and 2. be able to experience life with a local family.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!