Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Love BCN! Past Review

By (American/United States Studies/Civilization., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained invaluable perspective on the world and on myself. I learned how to live independently in an unfamiliar place, and I had the most fun of my life! It was extremely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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.

The program was very good, and helped me improve my Spanish immensely. I was happy that they required you to speak Spanish, and was surprised to find that I could learn a lot about non-language based topics entirely in a different language!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were awesome!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The residencia was really nice, but no wifi

* Food:

The food was good when provided but since it was not included I normally ate simply and cheaply

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I truly felt like a part of my neighborhood. I made local friends, and got to know various people who worked in the area that I came in contact with. Barcelona felt like a second home

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didnt have any health problems

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, even when walking late at night. However, theft was a big issue, and although I didn't get anything stolen, more than half of my program did at some point.

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)

It was pretty expensive, especially considering that I had to feed myself

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 200 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries, don't eat out. And have a few drinks before you go out to a bar or club, because they are extremely expensive.

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

Nobody involved with the program would communicate with you in English, only Spanish. They really encouraged us to practice the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 104
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? Force yourself to speak the language, dont allow yourself to use English as a crutch, even if it slows your communication down considerably

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Intensive Language Training
  • Organized trips and activities
  • Barcelona!
* What could be improved?
  • Make it last longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that the people on my program who lived with host families improved much more on their Spanish speaking than those who lived in the residencia. I liked having the freedom and being near my friends in the residencia, but I wish that I had the more immersive experience of living with a host family.

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.