Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Semester in Barcelona Past Review

By (Southern Connecticut State University) - abroad from 12/07/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

SAI Study Abroad: Barcelona - CETT Tourism, Hospitality & Gastronomy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and other people. Going abroad definitely gives you perspective and makes you appreciate life and the beauty of the world. This experience was worthwhile and the perfect amount of time to see and learn about a different culture.

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:

Be very cautious about your belongings! There are a lot of pickpocketers in the city. Always be sure to be alert when you are out especially at night time!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely try to make a budget before you go to help you not overspend!

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

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 included excursions
  • Our program corrdinators
  • How small our group was! We got to know everyone pretty well!
* What could be improved?
  • More optional excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how political and passionate Catalan people were before coming. I haven't learned much about their history so I definelty would have liked to read up on it before coming.

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.