This is your opportunity to explore Past Review

By (Entrepreneurial and Small Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/17/2015 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While this is a study abroad program and the focus is to explore, there is a lack of academic focus and classes are quite simple regarding the work required and the amount of material students are introduced to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I initially had housing issues, however the housing director of the program was amazing and helped me solve the issue

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Without fluency in the language, communication with the doctor might be difficult, but staff members of the program were helpful with the process

* Safety:

Watch out for those pickpocketers

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to save money for the trips you'll be taking near the end of the program so you have enough money to enjoy

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? 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
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? Have some general interest in the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Freedom
  • Exposure
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Class schedules
  • Host families
  • Language intensity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You won't get pickpocketed as long as you are aware and focused on what's going on around you.