Spain Will Change Your Life Past Review
By Alyssa C (Psychology and Sociology, University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 10/21/2014 with
IES Abroad: Barcelona - Study Abroad with IES Abroad
From this experience, I gained memories and friends that I will never forget. It was the best and most worth-while experience of my life and anyone who has the opportunity to study abroad needs to do so. I learned so much about myself, about culture and I gained a deeper sense of independence. I can't put into words the extent of what I learned and gained. All I can say is that Spain and studying abroad is life changing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Courses were doable. Not that hard, but you still have to put effort into it. Professors understand you are trying to explore and most are flexible and fair. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was a bit jumbled but ultimately gets you where you need to be. Great learning and exploratory programs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked living with Americans in a Spanish dorm. We were still comfortable in our bubble, but were surrounded by culture which made it easy to become immersed. I liked the food, cafeteria would make you lunch to go. It did get repetitive but above all, rooms were comfortable and the dorm was very safe and clean. (we had a doorman, lobby cameras, and a cleaning service) |
| * Food: |
Dorm food was repetitive but I didn't really mind it. You have options, maybe a bit slim as a vegetarian though. Outside dorm life, Spanish food will NOT let you down and is absolutely amazing. I LOVE SPANISH FOOD. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got a bad flu. I contacted IES and they set me up with an English-speaking doctor and an address. The doctor was a bit harsh personality wise but after two visits she gave me prescriptions. The only thing I paid for was a 20 euro prescription. Pretty quick, easy and painless system. |
| * Safety: |
I personally never felt threatened. Dorm and IES Center security was very thorough. The only issues people had were pick pocketing in the city. But just be smart about it. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Dorm life saves you food money. What will get you is travel and novelty. Just be smart. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Spanish courses were AWESOME. Professors are eager to help and teach in a way that prepares you to live an every-day Spanish life. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Immerse yourself in the culture and force yourself to speak the language. It's fun for all levels. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known how precious time can be and to savor every moment and opportunity…there are many. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
