Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience that I will never forget Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/02/2019 to 04/19/2019 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Economics and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile to study abroad and I gained diverse cultural perspective.

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.

I loved the cultural experience of my program. The academic programs were rigorous as well and there were affluent resources as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were carefully organized and were reachable anytime.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housing and my host family. They are amazingly caring and I still contact them even after the program.

* Food:

5/5 recommend it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Going to a local college, I was able to make Spanish friends and they were very welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with health care.

* Safety:

Barcelona is safe even at night and I did not have any safety-related incidents.

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)

Budget was the hardest part about studying abroad.

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

My classes had a good component of speaking, writing, and grammar.

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? Please take your local host family.

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
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?
  • Host family
  • Cultural Experience
* What could be improved?
  • Academic programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Budgeting problem.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!