Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring in Barcelona Past Review

By (Finance, University of Missouri - Columbia) - abroad from 01/12/2016 to 04/28/2016 with

SAI Study Abroad: Barcelona - Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became much more independent by studying abroad. I also experienced so many different cultures and appreciate them so much more. So much learning comes from living in a different country on your own and traveling, not in the classroom.

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.

The classes weren't too difficult but I wouldn't have wanted to spend more time on school work when I could be traveling or exploring the city! There were always resources available for courses though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The coordinator was perfect! She was very knowledgable on Barcelona and willing to offer any advice or support we needed. She also didn't feel the need to babysit us though which was perfect. We were able to be independent living abroad but have her to ask any questions or get help from if we needed it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment and neighborhood were really nice. It was a little small but that's to be expected!

* Food:

Barcelona has such great tapas, paella and other foods! There are also many international options. For example there's a great Italian market in my neighborhood with 6 different kinds of homemade pasta!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel as integrated with the local culture as I expected but this is mostly due to me traveling so much on the weekends and not making an effort to meet locals.

* 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

SAI was the perfect sized program. We had great included excursions with the program and great support from the coordinator.

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 lived on a student's budget and was able to travel many weekends! As long as you are smart, groceries can be very cheap for the week. Finding the right places to go out to eat or get a drink allows you to enjoy the night life on a budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • 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?
  • Coordinator
  • Included Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? All of the classes at UAB are with other American students or international students, not local students. Almost every provider in Barcelona has UAB as their school so this is unavoidable with most providers. SAI is still the best of all the providers connected with UAB!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.