Amazing program Past Review
By Jennifer L Vargas (Rowan University) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/16/2016 with
AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona
I gained plenty of skills such as being independent, adaptability and I learned the difference between spaniards and latin americans.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much in my classes just because it wasn't by the textbook but it was seeing the things I was learning in front of me! The professors were amazing! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
If there was an emergency, I knew the staff would be there and help every step of the way! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I LOVED MY HOMESTAY! My home stay mom was amazing and I still keep in contact with her today! |
| * Food: |
The food is great! Paella, tapas and croquetas the list goes on. Barcelona is the best place if you love to brunch! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had medication and was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to get it abroad and I did luckily and the staff went with me to doctors visit to get my medication and the pharmacy! I loved how easy and affordable things were. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt so safe! No matter the time of the day or night I never felt unsafe! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIFS is very organized and punctual. They did everything right and guided me! I didn't feel lost, always felt safe. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Very easy since m homestay covered two meals a day. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start a GoFundMe! Apply for scholarships! (I actually was awarded a $6,500 one with AIFS. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 4 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Use Duolingo! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | My phone had free international data with Sprint! |
