Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

ISA Spring Study Abroad in Barcelona Past Review

By (Business Administration, University of Georgia) - abroad from 01/26/2014 to 04/25/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My abroad experience was amazing. I never thought I would learn so much about myself and the rest of the world in four months. Studying abroad definitely opened up my eyes to how much more the world has to offer than I thought. It was 100 percent worth my time and I wish I could do it all over again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes are too challenging, but you do learn a lot of interesting information.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with five other girls and it was the best time of my life. I would advise everyone to live in an apartment.

* Food:

The food in Barcelona is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Students should be aware that Barcelona is known for pick-pocketing, but beyond that, the city is very safe.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • helpful staff
  • found a great apartment for us
  • various guides given to us about the city
* What could be improved?
  • the excursions were pretty long
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? After about a month or so, it is inevitable to get homesick. For me, it lasted a little over two weeks. I wish I had known then how much I would miss it once I left. My abroad experience flew by and I would give anything to get that time back. So, my advice would be to live in the moment and not take a second for granted.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.