A truly once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/19/2016 to 07/20/2016 with

KIIS: Barcelona - Experience Barcelona (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the history of America during the Spanish Civil War.

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.

* 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?

* 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
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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN 202
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? Practice listening to Spain Spanish because the accent is different from the Mexican Spanish I was used to, so even though I knew the basics of the language it was very difficult to understand at first.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location
  • People
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Location, distance from heart of city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The different food culture.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

American Writers in the Spanish Civil War

Course Department: Enlgish
Instructor: Andrew Doolen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class offered great discussions of historical events but in a way that really involves students in a personal way. The class took advantage of being located in the heart of Barcelona, visiting many major historical sights, as well as some off-the-beaten-path locations as well.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Museum Exhibition

Course Department: Art
Instructor: Eileen Gonzalez
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I loved visiting so many museums, each incredibly interesting and unique.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A