Saturated with experiences, mind and world view expanded, incredibly grateful. Past Review
By A student (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 04/23/2016 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
I gained independence, experience, expansion of my worldview, perspective, confidence, a network of people all over the world, a new appreciation for people and places. I also gained a new incentive to learn a language that I never thought I'd have. It was an invaluable experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since my program was all American students, I had to find my own ways of connecting with the local culture which was definitely possible, and also the intercambio with locals through IES didn't end up happening which was definitely disappointing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program was very helpful for me when it came to matters of sickness and health. |
| * Safety: |
Even though I know there were some incidents while abroad, IES did an incredible job of warning us and taking care of any issues and taking preventative measures. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Even though it was less immersive or independent than other programs, I ended up loving the opportunities that it provided for me, the friends I made in the program, and the safety net that it gave me. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75 euros a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do a homestay, plan ahead as much as possible, be prepared (have money saved) in case of accidents abroad because you never know. Do research on traveling cheaply. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | One semester of college beginner 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? | Homestay was crucial - my hostmom couldn't speak a word of English which really gave me the opportunity and incentive to practice, way more than any Spanish course could've. My hostmom was my best teacher. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | As soon as you start hitting your stride, it will be time to leave. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
