A semester of immersion and adventure. Past Review
By Michelle M (Trinity University) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 04/21/2016 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
I learned a lot about the culture in other countries as well as the culture in the U.S. from an outside perspective. My classes, although extremely manageable work wise, were quite interesting.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were not extremely rigorous, however one could learn quite a bit by paying attention in class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Whenever anyone had any issues or concerns regarding academic, housing, or cultural issues the staff always assisted in a timely manner. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment and had an amazing time with my roommates and my Spanish BCC. The apartment itself was quite nice and in a great location. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you make an effort you can integrate into the Spanish culture, however a lot of people tend to remain with the other American students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There is a lot of pickpocketing in Barcelona, but violent crimes are rare. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although Barcelona is known for its party culture, it was a great city with tons of things to do and explore. |
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) |
It can be difficult to stick to a tight budget if you are traveling often, but if you immerse yourself in your host city it can be easier. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
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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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? | Create an organized budget that includes travel expenses. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
