Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

NO REGRETS Past Review

By (Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/04/2013 to 04/12/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was incredibly worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself, and what I want from my life. The things that are important to me, and the things that aren't.

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.

The classes were not difficult- They had really lax absence rules, but even it was still tough to make it to class a lot of times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I truly had an amazing homestay experience! It was everything I wanted. However, for every good story there were at least 3 bad to counter it... keep that in mind!

* Food:

:)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I believe I had a good mix of "local" experiences and "program" experiences.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did go to the doctor. It was pretty accessible ( I have a pretty good level of spanish- and for me some things were still hard to understand.. keep that in mind) With the healthcare in Barcelona there was A TON of run around-I'm not used to it.

* Safety:

Barcelona is incredibly safe- seriously. BUT YOU HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR PICKPOCKETS. seriously, it's AWFUL in Barcelona. Also, when you go out at night make sure you walk home with people.

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 far more than 200E a week, If you like to go out at night, travel, and shop a teeny bit... Bring money!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a metro/bus/ whatever pass early and for your whole time there! You will be happy you did.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School Advanced 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 will help with practicing language--that is, if you are in a good one and are willing to practice. Also, just try to speak spanish... even if you're not fluent.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The size
  • The office location
* What could be improved?
  • excursions
  • timeliness
  • check-in's
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save enough money so you never have to say no to any experience. Also, there are some things from home that you should bring!

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.