Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Barcelona Experience Past Review

By (Marketing., Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned some language skills, as well as a sense of independence and self-reliance.

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 had a great time during my semester (Fall 2014) in Barcelona. The staff was always very helpful and friendly, and I couldn't have asked for a better living situation. My only complaints would be the size of the program - there were about 300 American students and so true immersion was difficult. The classes were a bit more rigorous and time consuming than I would have expected from a study abroad program, its hard to find time to get out and explore the city when you have classes from 9am to 7pm 3 days out of the week. I was set up with an internship while I was there which I enjoyed, it helped me immerse myself more and practice Spanish!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were wonderful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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 didn't have any personal experience with this, but from what I heard from other people it was simple enough to get healthcare if you needed it.

* Safety:

I felt very safe - of course you have to constantly be on the look out for pick pocketers, but as long as you are aware and smart about the situations you are in you will be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

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

We had one required Spanish class, but the rest were taught in English. On some of the IES organized field trips/weekend trips we had tours in Spanish, which was great to be able to practice listening while we weren't in class.

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? Spanish 301 - Grammar
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? Don't live in an apartment with other Americans! You will never practice, even if you think you will. I lived with a host woman who did not speak any English, and dinner conversations were where I learned more than anywhere else.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Staff/Teachers
  • Facility/Location
  • Organized Weekend Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Class Intensity/Time
  • Number of Americans - hurts immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you have to work to immerse yourself - it doesn't come as easily as you might think.

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!