An experience of a lifetime Past Review
By Monica R (California State University - Northridge) - abroad from 09/13/2015 to 12/22/2015 with
Universidad de Pompeu Fabra (UPF): Barcelona - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I can go on and on about what this experience has taught me; it's almost hard to explain. Everyone will tell you that you have to study abroad because it's an experience of a lifetime and it really is. JUST DO IT.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Courses were a good balance of enough to have learned a lot but I still had the freedom to explore the city during my off time. The professors in Barcelona really value life and learning through experience. Professors are great. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
From choosing which country to study in to filling out my application to my first day in Barcelona and then my last, my advisors at Panrimo were there to help every step of the way. Administration at Panrimo are always in contact and they really do care about each of their students. I would say that my favorite part of this program was my coordinator. My coordinator was my first friend in Barcelona and now a life-long friend for sure. Panrimo is smaller than most programs but this is great because of the attention you receive and relationships that you build with the administration. Overall my experience with Panrimo was great and I would not choose any other program if I could. Panrimo gave me an experience of a lifetime. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived on the beach...I don't think it can get any better than that. |
| * Food: |
Food is cheap but I would'nt rate it the best :-P |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Unlike most programs, this program is really small so it forced me to go out and make friends with the locals. In my eyes, this was a huge advantage because I got to meet all kinds of people. |
|
* 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
No words could ever fully explain how amazing my experience in Barcelona was and this is all thanks to Panrimo. From choosing which country to study in to filling out my application to my first day in Barcelona and then my last, my advisors at Panrimo were there to help every step of the way. Administration at Panrimo are always in contact and they really do care about each of their students. I would say that my favorite part of this program was my coordinator. My coordinator was my first friend in Barcelona and now a life-long friend for sure. Panrimo is smaller than most programs but this is great because of the attention you receive and relationships that you build with the administration. Overall my experience with Panrimo was great and I would not choose any other program if I could. Panrimo gave me an experience of a lifetime. |
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) |
Spain is so so cheap and student friendly! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | An average of $20 |
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 |
Barcelona is a very international city so most people you meet will speak English adn locals love practicing their English with you. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Go to Lauguage Exchange Events!! |
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? | I wish I knew that it wouldonly be me and my sister in our program. It was tough being the only two against other programs with 50+ students who all seemed like they were building such great friendships with each other. Howeve, this actually turned into a great thing becuase it forced us to get out and meet people. In the end we made friends from all over the world. Panrimo should give students this heads up ;-) |
