Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Highly Recommended Past Review

By (Integrated Marketing, Wichita State University) - abroad from 05/27/2011 to 07/15/2011 with

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about appreciating other peoples' cultures and differences. I learned about the value of taking risks, and I learned about how amazing it can be to do things like traveling alone. It was unquestionably worthwhile.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Barcelona - International Studies, Business & Culture Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Barcelona - International Studies, Business & Culture Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Barcelona - International Studies, Business & Culture Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Barcelona - International Studies, Business & Culture Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great teachers with years of cultural knowledge to share. They are obviously truly passionate about their jobs and made admirable efforts to get to know the students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

ISA was wonderful. I couldn't have asked them to do anything any better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host parents, they were truly wonderful and we are still in touch.

* Food:

Spanish food itself was not my favorite, but I was always well fed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was somewhat difficult to acclimate to the culture, surrounded by amazing new American friends, but with some effort, we were all able to blend with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health problems, but the one student I know who did was well taken care of.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe for any amount of time. Even walking at night with only a female friend, I felt very safe, much more so than at home.

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

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)

I spent a lot more than I planned to, but I traveled several times, and I know I could have been more frugal if necessary.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $175-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a plan for weekly spending and stick to it! It might be difficult, but it will save you stress.

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? Advanced
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? Advanced Spanish 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? Stay with a host family! It's the best way to soak up the culture and language in a comfortable, real-world setting.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great host family
  • ISA was great on so many levels
  • ISA-guided excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions could be a bit more exotic, perhaps go further outside the city, or even county.
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing light is seriously the best way to go. It's hard to boil down all the junk you're tempted to take, but it will make your travel SO much more pleasant.

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.