Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Extraordinary Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/14/2018 to 12/06/2018 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned a lot of stuff I could never learn in a classroom. definitely worth it.

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.

Teachers are extremely nice, and we’re always willing to give a helping hand.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Super awesome, always had time to talk, open doors at the office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Unreal housing, lived in the gothic district, a beautiful 15 minute walk to the beach and night club, 5 minute walk to Las ramblas. Couldn’t have been happier. Beds/ bathrooms were very nice.

* Food:

Food is all on you. Occasionally the program will take you to eat to meet with advisors. They always supplied food on day trips, and will supply most meals on weekend trips. Besides that cook your self or go out to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was all up to your self to dive into the Barcelona culture the locals are very nice and will always help, if you put the effort in

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn’t have any serious issues, most medications can be bought at the pharmacy.

* Safety:

Felt very safe, definitly a few unpleasant interactions during the night, and ran into a few pick pocketers.

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

Could not have had a more caring, laid back, eager to help, staff and teachers. Classes we’re exciting and fun.

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? Not sure a guess would be 2500, ate out a good amount.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Planning trips two weeks before you leave will save you abkut 40€, make sure to look at the transaction charges when taking money out of a bank account,, if comfortable find an ATM that only charges a few euros and take out large quality of cash and keep hidden in your room

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Some in high school
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? Always try to speak in Spanish to the locals they will always try to help you out.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Teachers
  • Housing
  • Community
* What could be improved?
  • City itself was very expensive
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don’t waste any weekends. Travel any where doesn’t matter where.

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.