A good experience. Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Providence College) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 04/17/2012 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely learned a lot about different cultures. I don't think going abroad was a mistake. However, I would of definitely chosen a different program.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universitat Pompau Fabra
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

* 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? No

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 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to minimize the amount of times you eat at restaurants. Definitely try to shop at supermarkets. It's a lot 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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
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? 103
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? If you're looking to practice the language definitely stay in a home stay. Otherwise, you'll be in the residencia with all American students. (who barely speak Spanish.)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • I had the opportunity to travel during the weekends
  • CIEE administration were very helpful
  • CIEE set up some small trips for us outside Barcelona
* What could be improved?
  • CIEE needs to partner up with a different university.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How terrible the university was