Get out and see the world! Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/16/2017 with

IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to travel, who to do it with, and to be more independent. Do what you want to, don't depend on others. Push yourself more to try new things and speak the language more and meet new people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

Staff was very quick and helpful with getting me an appointment, telling me what I had to do, and making sure everything went well. Even checked on me afterwards.

* Safety:

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

I think IES is good. I like their trips and involvement, but I would go somewhere else because it is harder to learn Spanish in Barcelona with Catalan being everywhere.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Live in a home-stay. Get food, laundry, and cleaning all done for you and it's the cheapest option while you get to learn Spanish.

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2nd year 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? Try to talk to locals! Do you best and people will understand. If you don't know something, look it up! Home-stay is the best way to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Planned/cheap trips
  • No Friday classes for travel
  • Classes at local universities
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication and relations with students and partner universities
  • More study areas/rooms (just implemented after I left)
  • Easier printing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Freshen up your Spanish before going Plan as many trips before as you can or at least plan where you want to go Go with friends so you can travel with them, but make new ones too** Use Vodafone!

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.'