This Semester Changed My Life Past Review

By (Therapeutic Recreation, University of Tennessee - Knoxville) for

ISA Study Abroad in Barcelona, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This past semester opened my eyes so much culturally. I really do not know if I can put inot wors what studying abroad did for me. I learned more about myself than I ever thought I could and it made me more open to new experiences, people and places. Since studying abroad, I definitely would like to travel more and eventually live in a Spanish speaking country for some time.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Acessability and services of the program on site in Barcelona was great. I liked the program size- not too large, not too small. I felt that the program was a little unorganized with planned trips. Staff seemed well educated on the country and were willing to help when it was needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Undoutedly the best decision I made was to live with a host family. It was a little far from my campuses (about a 45 min-hour walk) but I loved it. Living a little farther enabled me to get to know the city better and better navigate my way around. I felt pretty safe in my neighborhood, but of course was always catious. I lived with one American student who was my roommate and a 67 year old woman, Elena. We were treated like her own children-she was absolutely wonderful! Always wanted to help us with anything and practiced our Spanish with us every night at dinner.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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
Language acquisition improvement?

I lived in a homestay and my senora did not speak hardly any English. I practiced in class with my teacher and classmates and also a lot with my senora in my homestay. I needed to use Spanish every day because of my living situation. Most everyone at my university there spoke English, but in general,the people in Barcelona did not.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone willing to be open to new experiences and really try to learn the language there.