Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing city, great culture, wonderful people, lots of fun!! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2018 to 12/19/2018 with

CIEE: Barcelona - Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
More global perspective on things. Experience how others live and compare/contrast to life at home and in other places. Learn new political systems and ideas and practice a language.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my homestay- my favorite part of my whole experience abroad!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

Barcelona was my favorite city I travelled to while abroad and the program was the perfect combination of academics, fun, and activities to truly get all aspects of the city and country.

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A homestay may help you save money on food and also don't feel pressure to buy every person you know a souvenir.

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? Intermediate
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? Live with a host family, go to events put on by the program that are specifically for language practice, make local friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between program officials and students
  • Weekend excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you live with a host family you will get an authentic experience, grow relationships with locals, and have more of a "homey" feel. However you make miss out on some "friends" aspects. Living in an apartment I learned from others was a great way to make other American friends from the program and go out with them a lot. I think there is absolutely a way you can achieve both in either setting if that's what you're looking for, but initially these are the pros and cons of both living situations.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'