Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely Unforgettable Experience Past Review

By (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 06/22/2017 to 07/22/2017 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through CEA, I got to meet other students that I never would've met otherwise, as we all went to different schools throughout the United States. I met and bonded instantly with these incredible people, and I have CEA to thank for that. There is so much to do in Barcelona and I swear I probably averaged 4 hours of sleep a night because I wanted to visit and participate in everything!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I have never been more excited to go to class. For my Spanish course, it made me really excited to study it and practice it so I could speak with locals and tell my teacher about my exciting weekends. For my business course, we actually went and visited places!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great people who wanted to help in any way!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed getting to know the other girls and living right in the middle of the city. A little noisy, and it was so terribly hot, but still so incredibly worth it!

* Food:

Seafood Paella. That's all you need to know.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt instantly connected to the people I saw and met. I felt like I wasn't just visited; I felt like I was one of them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had the most amazing experience with the staff there. I experienced a health issue while abroad and they were there for me every moment of the scary process.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Barcelona with CEA was a trip I will never forget, and one that I wish I could relive every single day. CEA was incredibly prepared, helpful, and truly wanted its students to have the best time.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find cheap things to do, book big group discounts

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

Practiced it every day in the classroom, it was great because I learned so much more than I would have ever had I not practiced language abroad.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Spanish
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? Get out there and try it! Even if you think you sound stupid, the people appreciate you trying and will help you to improve your language skills.

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

  • 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?
  • Food
  • Location
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Air conditioning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a cooling fan for those hot summers!

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.