Eye Opening Every Day Past Review
By A student (Architecture, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 04/19/2015 with
Universidad de Pompeu Fabra (UPF): Barcelona - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The most important idea I learned was that 'foreign' is a relative concept. People all across the world are just like you and have a culture that is interesting and unique.
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. |
Very relaxed academically, allowed for more exploration outside the classroom. I was on an architecture program, and being in Barcelona meant we got to take full advantage of the city around us. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing on site admin. Very timely, happy, and interested in our well-being. The program coordinator routinely brought us snacks and asked how we are doing. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a dorm with a shared kitchen. There were weekly cleanings and I had plenty of space. There was no wifi however, only ethernet, so that would be something to improve. |
| * Food: |
I cooked all my own meals, as I was living in a dorm. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Barcelona people are very wary of foreigners, as their city is overrun with tourists. I found it very difficult to make local friends, but never felt uncomfortable. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
n/a |
| * Safety: |
Barcelona has a pick pocket problem. I was constantly watching over my things. I never felt in danger however. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | n/a |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | grocery shop! dont eat out for lunch every day. |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 200 level course |
| 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? | speak with people fluent in the language if you can |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How easy it is to learn a new language if you open your mind to it. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
