Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best three months ever. Past Review

By (International Business., Western Washington University) - abroad from 08/29/2012 to 12/01/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the language and customs. Also I met lots of people and learned a great deal from everyone. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teachers were interested in engaging in discussions and helping with any questions and concerns.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Every expectation was met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had our own rooms and the housing was clean and furnished as promised.

* Food:

I made my own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had insurance and medicine was cheaper than here. WAY cheaper. Free dentist (including x-ray) for when I had a tooth ache,

* Safety:

The city was safe. Common sense safety precautions.

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)

I could have spent less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-125 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan trips out in advance.

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

Frequent encouragement to use the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Three years of German in high school, but I studied in Spain.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • People in the program were great.
  • Housing.
  • Excursions.
* What could be improved?
  • Have excursions and class schedules planned out and distributed sooner.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When the excursions were and class schedules.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.