Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

VIVA BARCA Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., San Diego State University) - abroad from 06/02/2012 to 08/17/2012 with

Internships in Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to practice my spanish at my internship. They were really helpful in placing me in an internship that I was looking for. Further confirmed my desire to be in that field.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Mario was really helpful and a really fun coordinator

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartments were great!

* Food:

Food in Barcelona is amazing! Paella is my favorite1

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Awesome nightlife, awesome food, Spaniards are really sociable, and approachable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There are a lot of pick pocketing in barcelona, but our program guide fairly warned us about that.

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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 Euroes
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET! save money for outings! find cheap food finds to save your money. Carry a bottle of water with you. No free water in Barcelona at restaurants.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
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? Find Spanish friends and practice spanish in exchange for practicing english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Monserrat Trip
  • Trips to the Beach
  • Nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • Spend more times with the interns
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You must pay for water EVERYWHERE in barcelona

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.