Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my life! Past Review

By (Niagara University) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 05/01/2019 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Barcelona - Semester at University of Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself and the world around me.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Barcelona - Semester at University of Barcelona Photo

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.

I learned so much! All of the courses were super interesting!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family have become closer to me than my real family.

* Food:

All of the food was so amazing and I tried a new foods almost everyday!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spoke and learned more Spanish in my time abroad than I have in the last 10 years.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No real health problems experienced while I was abroad but there was only one available doctor.

* Safety:

You could walk down the street at 4am on a Saturday night and feel completely safe.

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

I absolutely LOVED my time in Spain. From the people, to the food, to the city itself, Barcelona was AMAZING! CIS Abroad staff was extremely helpful with all of the pre-departure paperwork and I had no worries at all about my semester abroad. Upon arrival, the on site staff were extremely helpful in facilitating anything that I needed. In addition, the program has many fantastic excursions that really generate a love for the culture of your chosen country. I cannot more highly recommend any other experience. To this day I still talk to the friends I made while abroad in addition to my host parents on an almost daily basis. The connections I made in my semester abroad will be connections that I carry with me for a long time to come. Again, 10/10 would recommend.

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)

Very easy, just don't be stupid.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? pack lunches!!!!

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

I spoke almost no english while 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak. Speak to everyone and don't be afraid to sound stupid.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?
  • My host parents
  • The classes
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • more excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save more money. It was not too expensive to go, but obviously, more money is always better.

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!