Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Boys That Burnt Barcelona.. Literally Past Review

By (Information Systems & Audit Control, Bentley University) - abroad from 01/03/2013 to 04/30/2013 with

Universidad de Pompeu Fabra (UPF): Barcelona - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Practical knowledge of the world, people, culture, finance. From speaking to international students i learned a lot about other people's perspectives on the US. It was worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes are difficult however the grading is easier than thought.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Registering for classes is very difficult in compared to Bentley. They allow you to over lap times for classes and other things that the bentley system doesn't allow you to do .

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were on our own to find an apartment and it worked out very good. We did a lot of research and found an apartment that was cheaper than Bentley. We used friendlyrentals.com.

* Food:

The school cafe was awesome. They has small sandwiches and coffee for very cheap. They also sold beer at the school which was nice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

From taking classes and experiencing the town, I think I gained insight into how they think and act. They are very passionate about Catalan culture which is important to realize. Being emerged into the culture is all about what you make of it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no interactions with the healthcare however it seemed like you would get the care you need .

* Safety:

I felt safe for 99% of the time but you always hear stories of people abroad getting robbed or beaten up. I think that if you are smart and respectful than you will have no troubles.

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)

I was able to last because I saved up. Students who are going abroad should know that if you want to experience e everything you want, you need to save up or take a loan. Food is not the main expense, you need to think about traveling, plane tickets, hotels, are the biggest expense.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be very nice to your parents. Work those hard long hours you don't want to over the summer, it will pay off.

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

They made us go to class 4 days a week for spanish.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second level spanish
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? Remember phrases. Timothy Ferriss approach.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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?
  • International Interactions
  • Freedom of living
* What could be improved?
  • Registering for classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How fast the time goes so travel as much as you can.

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.