Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had the BEST interning experience in Barcelona this summer! Past Review

By (Hospitality Administration/Management., University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 06/16/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Intern in Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I love exploring and being independent. It was completely worthwhile. I feel as though EVERYONE needs to push themselves out of their comfort zone and go abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I only took a week-long Spanish course while I was there. All of the staff were very friendly and patient.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Once I landed in Barcelona, I was immediately greeted by the On-Site Staff. They greeted me and brought me to my home-stay which was very comforting since I was in a whole new country. They hosted several orientation and cultural immersions the first week that we were there in order to help us become more comfortable with our new home for the next few weeks. I loved how they were so friendly and how they were so willing to answer any questions that I had. They setup several “outings” and excursions throughout the weeks. Some were free, some were not, but it didn’t matter to me either way- I tried to attend every one I could because they were so fun and such a wonderful way to get to know Barcelona and the surrounding areas.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

CIS set me up with a lovely home stay. I knew the home stay was the way to go. It was the best way to immerse myself in the culture. My host mom would provide us with a simple breakfast and delicious dinner. I ATE SO MUCH FOOD. She cleaned our rooms, did our laundry, and was always willing to answer any of my questions about Barcelona. It was nice to have something of a “homey” feel since I was certainly missing my family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did't experience any health care services, but I know people who did. They were treated well and felt very comfortable.

* Safety:

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)

This was the hardest part about being abroad. But honestly, it was so worth it. I traveled and ate a lot of food. This added up, but this was how I wanted to spend my money instead of spending it on silly souvenirs or other unnecessary things.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy souvenirs. Do you REALLY need everything that says "Barcelona"??

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

Since I was in a homestay with an all-spanish speaking host mother, I was forced to always speak the language. However, I rarely did with my friends and at my internship.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School Spanish
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? Before, I would go over key phrases for day-to-day functions. Such as saying hello, transportation, buying things, and ordering/eating. While there, just feel confident with yourself and practice as much as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Excursions
  • All of the staff from CIS
  • The internship and homestay placement.
* What could be improved?
  • Timeliness with Internship Placement
  • Maybe include some transportation for students? Atleast the first metro pass?
  • I really can't think of anything else- I has such an amazing experience.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I was going to enjoy myself. The night before I was terrified and was crying about how I didn't want to go anymore. I laugh at the fact that I was thinking that now.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'