Would Do Again Past Review

By (Universidad de Pompeu Fabra / UPF) - abroad from 06/17/2017 to 07/28/2017 with

University of Texas at Austin: UT: Go Barcelona

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the Spanish language a bit better and that Europeans are very interested in American affairs, something that I didn't expect. I definitely believe it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were challenging, yet not too incredibly stressful. Textbooks were not too expensive & the professors were more than accommodating & helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program we worked with was ESA, and our contact, Alicia, maintained contact with us throughout the whole experience and made herself available to any concerns we had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my host family and was SO incredibly sad to leave. My host mom was amazing and went above and beyond my expectations. She made me feel comfortable right off the bat and was constantly asking if there was there was anything she could do to make my stay better.

* Food:

I loved the food! I definitely miss it a lot being back in the states. The food my host mom made was always good and she took my food dislikes/likes into consideration. Depending on where you went, the food wasn't too expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, I only wish I had gotten to stay longer to help me continue learning the language better. I actually got mistaken for a local multiple times, which was very exciting for me, but probably had more to do with how I look. However, I did shop beforehand to try and match the European style so that I wouldn't stick out that much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with health care, but I'm pretty sure that public health care is free.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe the entire time I was there. The only thing I had to be vigilant about were the pick pocketers, so make sure to always keep an eye or hand (even better) on your belongings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had a wonderful experience and would give anything to do it over again!

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 am very fortunate that I, personally, did not have to finance this experience, so I did not have to worry about money that much, however, I did try to be conscious about my spending. Unfortunately, I do eat/snack a lot, so most of my money was spent on food. Additionally, I used a taxi more often than I should have, but the fares were usually not outrageous.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are using strictly cash, make sure to pull some before you leave and put a budget out a certain amount in your wallet each to give yourself money for food and other things, but keep track of it. If you're using card, be mindful of the charges your company might charge and the conversion rate.

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

I used it to navigate when in a taxi and in class, because I was taking a Spanish course.

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? Spanish 3 in HS
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? I know it's easy to use English when with friends, but try to speak in Spanish with one another that way you are all helping each other to improve.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Students
  • Professors
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Trying to receive packages from the states is absolutely HORRENDOUS. My mom paid to express ship me a package with my medications in it to arrive in Barcelona on July 4th, only to have it held in Madrid for a week before they contacted me asking if I could describe the contents of the package to them. Once I did that, I was told it "might" get to my host home before I went back to America. My host mother never received it, but got a notice telling her that it was being sent back to my mother on August 14th. I finally received the package again, back in the states on August 30th. DON'T MAIL THINGS.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!