my report - usc marshall · my report last modified: 08/02/2013 filter by: report subgroup momoe...

1. Name (optional)

My ReportLast Modified: 08/02/2013Filter By: Report Subgroup

Momoe Yamakawa

Marcos Garcia

Momoe Yamakawa

Cristina Ramos

Tatyana Bogatyreva

Lisa Jaimovich

Shane Swerdlow

Jessica Stix

Blair Herman

Tracy Lawrence

Tracy Lawrence

Lu Gao

Junie Ryu

Tiffany lee

Vina

Vina

Jessica Sabbah-Mani

Sonal Singh

Daniella Fischel

Seth Rubinro it

Josh Radman

Emiri Dandoy

Tiffany Hu

Total Responses 23

T ext Respo nse

St at ist ic Value

2. E-mail Address (optional)

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

rubinro [email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Total Responses 23

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3. Location

39 Aalto University School o f Economics 0 0%

4 Australian National University 0 0%

6 Chinese University o f Hong Kong 0 0%

5 Copenhagen Business School 0 0%

3 Corvinus University o f Budapest 0 0%

37 Chulalongkorn University 0 0%

2 ESADE Business School 38 100%

40 ESCEM 0 0%

38 ESCP-EAP 0 0%

65 Fudan University 0 0%

13 HEC School o f Management 0 0%

7 Hong Kong UNiversity o f Science and Technology 0 0%

58 ICHEC Brussels 0 0%

63 IE School o f Business 0 0%

15 Korea University Business School 0 0%

16 National University o f Singapore 0 0%

18 National Taiwan University 0 0%

27 Peking University 0 0%

14 Rotterdam School o f Management 0 0%

61 Seoul National University 0 0%

19 Singapore Management University 0 0%

1 Thammasat University 0 0%

57 Universidade de Nova de Lisbon 0 0%

64 Universiidad de Carlos Madrid III 0 0%

11 Universita Commerciale Luigi Bocconi 0 0%

62 University o f Hong Kong 0 0%

9 University o f Manchester, Manchester Business School 0 0%

10 University o f Melbourne 0 0%

12 University o f Navarra 0 0%

17 University o f St. Gallen 0 0%

59 Vienna University o f Economics and Business 0 0%

8 WHU Otto Beisheim School o f Management 0 0%

Total 38

Min Value 2

Max Value 2

Mean 2.00

Variance 0.00

Standard Deviation 0.00

Total Responses 38

# Answer Bar Respo nse %

St at ist ic Value

4. What is your academic status this semester?

1 Sophomore 0 0%

2 Junior 24 63%

3 Senior 14 37%

Total 38

Min Value 2

Max Value 3

Mean 2.37

Variance 0.24


Total Responses 38


St at ist ic Value

5. What is your expected date o f graduation from USC (Semester and year, egFall 2009)?

Spring 2009

Fall 2009

Spring 2009

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

December 2008

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

May 2010

Spring, 2010

May 2010

Spring 2011

May 2011

May 2011

May 2011

May 2010

Spring 2011

Spring 2012

Spring 2011

spring 2012

May 2012

Spring 2012

December 2011

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Fall 2013

Spring 2014

Spring 2014

Total Responses 38

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6. What is your major?

Business

Accounting

Business Administration

BUAD

BUAD

BUAD

BUAD


BUAD

Business



BCA

Business Administration and Public Po licy, Management, and Planning

Business Admin



BUAD

BUAD

Business Administration, Neuroscience




Business Admin with Emphasis in Cinematic Arts





accounting

Business Administration with emphasis in cinematic arts (BCA)

BAIR

Business

Business

Business Admin

Business Administration/Cinematic Arts




Total Responses 38

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7. What is your concentration (Business majors only)?

International Business/Marketing

International Business, Marketing

International Business









International Business, Cinematic Arts


International Busines

Real Estate Finance

International Business and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship & International Business



International Business and Management Consulting


Int. Business

International Relations



International Business (Brand Strategy)

international business

N/A




Total Responses 32

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8. Please indicate the term in which you were abroad (semester and year, egFall 2009).

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Fall 2008

Spring 2009

Spring 2009

Spring 2010

Spring 2009

Fall, 2009

Fall 2009

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

semester, Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Spring 2010

Fall 2010

Fall 2010

Spring 2011

Spring 2011

Spring 2011

Spring 2011

Fall 2011

spring 2012

spring 2012

Spring 2012

Fall 2012

Spring 2012

Spring 2012

Spring 2012

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Spring 2013

Total Responses 38

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9. I. GENERAL PROGRAM EVALUATION Please rate the fo llowing items:

1 1. Your overall satisfaction with theprogram. 0 0 0 12 24 36 4.67

Min Value 4

Max Value 5

Mean 4.67

Variance 0.23


Total Responses 36

# Quest io n Verydissat isf ied

So mewhatdissat isf ied Neut ral Mo st ly

sat isf iedVery

sat isf iedT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 1. Yo ur o verall sat isf act io n wit h t he pro gram.

10.

1 2. To what extent did the program meet your expectations? 0 0 1 17 18 36 4.47

2 3. To what extent was your participation in the program a valuablelearning experience? 0 3 1 5 27 36 4.56

Min Value 3 2

Max Value 5 5

Mean 4.47 4.56

Variance 0.31 0.83

StandardDeviation 0.56 0.91

TotalResponses 36 36

# Quest io n No t at allso

So mewhatso Neut ral Mo st ly

soVery much

soT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 2. T o what ext ent did t he pro gram meet yo urexpect at io ns?

3. T o what ext ent was yo ur part icipat io n in t he pro gram a valuable learningexperience?

11.

1 4. To what extent would you recommendthis program to o ther USC students? 0 0 0 2 33 35 4.94

Min Value 4

Max Value 5

Mean 4.94

Variance 0.06


Total Responses 35

# Quest io nWo uld no t

reco mmend atall

May reco mmendwit h reservat io ns Neut ral Wo uld surely

reco mmend

Wo uldreco mmend

mo st st ro ngly

T o t alRespo nses Mean

St at ist ic 4. T o what ext ent wo uld yo u reco mmend t his pro gram t o o t her USC st udent s?

12. II. ACADEMIC PROGRAM

1 5. To what extent were your courses intellectually challenging? 3 7 7 17 1 35 3.17

2 6. How comparable was the quality o f instruction and academic demand o fclasses to that o f USC? 2 16 8 9 0 35 2.69

Min Value 1 1

Max Value 5 4

Mean 3.17 2.69

Variance 1.15 0.87



# Quest io n No t atall so


soVery

much soT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 5. T o what ext ent were yo ur co urses int e llect uallychallenging?

6. Ho w co mparable was t he qualit y o f inst ruct io n and academic demand o fclasses t o t hat o f USC?

13.

1 7. The grading system used in the courses wasexplained. 0 6 7 18 4 35 3.57

2 8. I was able to register fo r all the classes that I wanted. 0 8 1 16 10 35 3.80

Min Value 2 2

Max Value 5 5

Mean 3.57 3.80

Variance 0.84 1.22

Standard Deviation 0.92 1.11

Total Responses 35 35

# Quest io n St ro nglydisagree Disagree Neut ral Agree St ro ngly

AgreeT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 7. T he grading syst em used in t he co urses was explained. 8. I was able t o regist er f o r all t he classes t hat I want ed.

14.

1 9 . To what extent were you prepared for the coursework? 0 0 1 17 17 35 4.46

2 10. To what extent do you feel you were immersed in the culture o f thehost country? 0 5 2 14 14 35 4.06

3 11. To what extent did you gain a better appreciation o f the hostculture's perspectives? 0 1 1 12 21 35 4.51

Min Value 3 2 2

Max Value 5 5 5

Mean 4.46 4.06 4.51

Variance 0.31 1.06 0.49

StandardDeviation 0.56 1.03 0.70

TotalResponses 35 35 35

# Quest io n No t at allso


soVery much

soT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 9. T o what ext ent were yo uprepared f o r t he co ursewo rk?

10. T o what ext ent do yo u f eel yo u wereimmersed in t he cult ure o f t he ho st co unt ry?

11. T o what ext ent did yo u gain a bet t erappreciat io n o f t he ho st cult ure 's perspect ives?

15.

1 12. Please rate your overall satisfaction with the content o fthe courses you took. 1 5 10 15 4 35 3.46

2 13. Please rate your overall satisfaction with the quality o finstruction. 0 8 11 11 5 35 3.37

Min Value 1 2

Max Value 5 5

Mean 3.46 3.37

Variance 0.96 1.01





sat isf iedVery

Sat isf iedT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 12. Please rat e yo ur o verall sat isf act io n wit h t he co nt ent o f t heco urses yo u t o o k.

13. Please rat e yo ur o verall sat isf act io n wit h t he qualit y o finst ruct io n.

16.

1 14. Please rate the overall level o f faculty interest instudents. 0 5 14 10 6 35 3.49

Min Value 2

Max Value 5

Mean 3.49

Variance 0.90


Total Responses 35

# Quest io n Verylo w

So mewhatlo w Average Higher t han

averageVeryhigh

T o t alRespo nses Mean

St at ist ic 14. Please rat e t he o verall level o f f acult y int erest in st udent s.

17.

1 15. Please rate your overall satisfaction with theacademic program. 1 2 12 14 6 35 3.63

Min Value 1

Max Value 5

Mean 3.63

Variance 0.89


Total Responses 35



sat isf iedVery

sat isf iedT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 15. Please rat e yo ur o verall sat isf act io n wit h t he academic pro gram.

18. III. LANGUAGE PREPARATIONIf you did not take a foreign languageclass this semester, please choose "Not applicable" fo r each question.

1 16. How were your language skills before theprogram? 11 6 9 6 2 1 35 2.57

2 17. How were your language skills after the program? 10 1 2 10 9 3 35 3.46

3 18. Your living situation aided your languageacquisition. 12 8 3 4 2 6 35 2.83

Min Value 1 1 1

Max Value 6 6 6

Mean 2.57 3.46 2.83

Variance 1.96 3.14 3.56

StandardDeviation 1.40 1.77 1.89

TotalResponses 35 35 35

# Quest io n No tapplicable Po o r Needs

impro vement Fair Go o d Excellent T o t alRespo nses Mean

St at ist ic 16. Ho w were yo ur language skills bef o ret he pro gram?

17. Ho w were yo ur language skills af t ert he pro gram?

18. Yo ur living sit uat io n aided yo ur languageacquisit io n.

19.

119. If you studied a foreign language on the program, please rate youroverall level o f satisfaction with the language education component o fthe program.

0 0 25 8 2 35 3.34

Min Value 3

Max Value 5

Mean 3.34

Variance 0.35

StandardDeviation 0.59

TotalResponses 35



sat isf iedVery

sat isf iedT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 19. If yo u st udied a f o reign language o n t he pro gram, please rat e yo ur o verall level o f sat isf act io n wit h t he language educat io nco mpo nent o f t he pro gram.

20. IV. SUPPORT SERVICESPlease rate your level o f satisfaction with thefo llowing categories:

1 20. On-site academic advising 1 7 10 15 2 35 3.29

2 21. On-site orientation 0 7 9 14 5 35 3.49

3 22. On-site academic facilities (e.g. classrooms, libraries,computer labs), excluding housing. 1 4 3 16 11 35 3.91

4 23. Communication with the USC Marshall o ffice in Los Angeles 0 2 8 15 10 35 3.94

5 24. Overall impression o f on-site support services 0 2 13 16 4 35 3.63

Min Value 1 2 1 2 2

Max Value 5 5 5 5 5

Mean 3.29 3.49 3.91 3.94 3.63

Variance 0.92 0.96 1.14 0.76 0.59

StandardDeviation 0.96 0.98 1.07 0.87 0.77

TotalResponses 35 35 35 35 35



sat isf iedVery

sat isf iedT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic20. On-sit eacademicadvising

21. On-sit eo rient at io n

22. On-sit e academic f acilit ies (e .g.classro o ms, libraries, co mput er labs),

excluding ho using.

23. Co mmunicat io n wit h t heUSC Marshall o f f ice in Lo s

Angeles

24. Overall impressio no f o n-sit e suppo rt

services

21. V. HOUSINGPlease rate your level o f satisfaction with the fo llowingcategories:

1 25. Housing coordination 9 10 11 1 4 35 2.46

2 26. Location o f student housing 6 7 13 4 5 35 2.86

3 27. Quality o f housingarrangements 3 8 16 2 6 35 3.00

Min Value 1 1 1

Max Value 5 5 5

Mean 2.46 2.86 3.00

Variance 1.55 1.60 1.35

Standard Deviation 1.24 1.26 1.16

Total Responses 35 35 35



sat isf iedVery

sat isf iedT o t al

Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 25. Ho using co o rdinat io n 26. Lo cat io n o f st udent ho using 27. Qualit y o f ho using arrangement s

22. VI. OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS 31. Why did you choose this program?

First o ff, because ESADE is one o f the best business schoo ls in Spain and Europe. Its students are very well prepared and ready to enter the business world. Second, I hadalways had a particular interest Spanish history and culture. This program offered the best o f both worlds, great education and an opportunity to learn and immerse myselfin Spanish culture.

I wanted to study Business abroad to gain international experience.

I chose ESADE because o f two essential factors: Academics: because it is the best business schoo l in Spain, and very well recognized throughout Europe. In addition,their "fo rte" is Marketing, which is my concentration. Culture: I have always had a strong fascination with Spanish history and culture (since I can relate to it due to myPeruvian background), and I saw a big opportunity with this program, in which I would go bymyself, and experience it first-hand.

I chose this program because

I chose ESADE because it has a top-ranked business program and they are especially well-known for their marketing program. In addition, I was interested in ESADEbecause they emphasize the use o f case studies and a lo t o f group work in their classes. Finally, I chose ESADE because I really wanted to go to a non-English speakingcountry and was especially interested in go ing to Spain so that I could improve my Spanish.

High interest in classes o ffered. Reputation o f the schoo l. Desire to learn about the Sapanish culuture. Gain more knowledge o f business language in Spanish.

I chose ESADE because it has a top-ranked business program and they are especially well-known for their marketing program (an area o f emphasis that I wanted toexplore). In addition, I was interested in ESADE because they emphasize the use o f case studies and a lo t o f group work in their classes. Finally, I chose ESADE because Ireally wanted to go to a non-English speaking country and was especially interested in go ing to Spain so that I could improve my Spanish.

I love Barcelona -- its culture, people, and language. I thought it was a fantastic way to practice my Spanish while studying in one o f Europe's best schoo ls and living insuch an amazing and lively city. :)

I was interested in immersing myself in Spanish language and culture and was fascinated by the idea o f living in a beautiful country like Spain with a culture that is sodifferent than American.

It was central to all the places I wanted to visit, was a big city with many social/cultural exploration options, and was an extremely prestigious schoo l.

I really wanted to have the opportunity to live in Barcelona, and this program allowed me to do so while fulfilling requirements for my degree.

I wanted to study in Europe and ESADE in Spain proved to be one o f the best business schoo ls to study at.

To do something completely different than USC.

I chose this program because it combined the city lifestyle I wanted with the language I wanted to learn. ESADE is also a very well known international business schoo l sothat was a great pull too . Although I went into this program knowing that I wanted to improve my Spanish, in truth, it wasn't until I was actually there that I realized howimportant it was to me.

To be honest, it had to do with the ending date o f the program, the fact that Barcelona is supposed to be "warm" and "Mediteranean," and because I have studied Spanishsince high schoo l.

ESADE had a wide variety o f classes that I felt would give me a better understanding o f international business. The style o f learning in the classrooms was very case andgroup oriented. All o f our pro jects had a team of 3 -5 people and it gave me a great chance to meet people from different backgrounds. The quality o f instruction was also afactor - the pro fessors at the university are world-reknowned in their subject matter and I was taking classes with pro fessors who were leaders in their field. In addition,ESADE is a very small schoo l. The classroom size was on average 15 - 25 students, which gave me a chance to get to know the pro fessor as well as my classmates verywell. And o f course, Barcelona itself was enough reason for me to choose the program above o thers. It is hands down one o f the most amazing cities in the world. From,art to food to architecture to nightlife to tons o f festivals to the people, there is no city like it. It is an amazing blend o f young, hip and trendy and o f tradition and pride. It issurrounded by mountains and the beach. There is always so much go ing on in the city that traveling to o ther countries makes you miss being back in Barca - though iftraveling is a prio rity, the city is centrally located enough that it is not a far trip to anywhere in Europe or northern Africa.

Barcelona o ffered the whole package in terms o f the academic and personal experience. The schoo l environment was quality and intimate, at an institution that wasprestigious and state-o f-the-art. Life in Barcelona could not have o ffered more, with access to the city, beach, nightlife, and affordable travel to o ther places in Europe.

I knew that I wanted to be immersed in the European culture. Barcelona was a clear cho ice due to my interest in the Spanish culture and food, ESADE's prestige as aBusiness School, and being located in the youthful center o f Europe.

I wanted to improve my Spanish while learning about another culture.

I wanted to go to Barcelona and the ESADE Business School was ranked highly as a prominent business schoo l in Europe.

I mainly chose this program for it prestige in the European Business School rankings, fo r its location, and for the opportunity to perfect my Spanish.

I wanted to take my courses in Spanish and really push myself beyond an English-speaking study abroad, but also a program where I had the potential to become fluent ina language

Wanted to go to Barcelona the whole time. Beautiful, easy city.

It is a great business schoo l, with students o f many different backgrounds. The city o f Barcelona is incredible and there are always things to learn, places to explore, go out,people to meet and different activities.

I wanted to be in Barcelona and the schoo l was very reputable. I liked that it was smaller classes with lo ts o f group work and interactive classes.

To broaden my horizons and live in a new country

First things first: Yes, Barcelona is abso lutely the most incredible city in the world. You could spend your entire semester abroad in Barcelona and not get board. Yes, werage every night. And yes, parties literally do not start until 2am and last until....well, when the metro opens at 6am. Be prepared for all-nighters every time you go out—hellyeah. Aside from all the "basics," I chose ESADE because I thought (keyword: thought) that the schoo l utilizes a “case-style” teaching methodo logy which differs from USCin that teachers place greater emphasis on case analysis, group pro jects, and team presentations. As someone who is interested in pursuing a career in managementconsulting, this would allow me to work in a team environment with culturally diverse co lleagues. ESADE also consistently ranks among the best Business Schools inEurope (it’s currently like #4 in the world) and has a renowned reputation with top consulting firms …As it turns out, all o f my aforementioned reasons for choosing ESADEpertain exclusively to the MBA program, o f which us exchange students are not apart…Nevertheless, my reasons did make for a good application essay!

I chose this program mainly because o f the relationships I had made with Spanish students that had studied at USC the semester prio r to go ing abroad. I also chose thisprogram because ESADE seemed to have many courses that matched my interests and coursework at USC.

Because its a big enough city that it has a little bit o f everything but small enough to walk around and experience it all.

ESADE is one o f the top business schoo ls in Europe, and Barcelona is a great location.

Total Responses 30

T ext Respo nse

St at ist ic Value

23. 32. Please compare these aspects o f your program with study at USC.

1 1) Quality o f instruction 9 3 18 30 2.30

2 2) Content o f courses 7 4 19 30 2.40

3 3) Intellectual challenge o f courses 6 2 22 30 2.53

4 4) Faculty interest in/support o f students 13 4 13 30 2.00

5 5) Individual assistance provided 10 4 16 30 2.20

Min Value 1 1 1 1 1

Max Value 3 3 3 3 3

Mean 2.30 2.40 2.53 2.00 2.20

Variance 0.84 0.73 0.67 0.90 0.86

StandardDeviation 0.92 0.86 0.82 0.95 0.92

TotalResponses 30 30 30 30 30

# Quest io n Equivalent USC/Abro ad Bet t er USC/in L.A. Bet t er T o t al Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 1) Qualit y o finst ruct io n

2) Co nt ent o fco urses

3) Int e llect ual challenge o fco urses

4) Facult y int erest in/suppo rt o fst udent s

5) Individual assist ancepro vided

24. 33. How much study time per week do you recommend in order to keepup with classes?

1 hr per class (i.e. if you're taking 5 classes, 5 hours per week)

5

Two hours per course per week. (Four when it comes to do ing all the pro jects)

2-3 hours (but it really depends on which classes you take)

I spent more time studying in the second half o f the semester than the first half. However, I would say that on average, I would recommend 4-6 hours a week (but it reallydepends on which classes you take).

It varies with difficulty o f class. Don't leave everything for the last moment.

I spent more time studying in the second half o f the semester than the first half. However, I would say that on average, I would recommend 4-6 hours a week (but it reallydepends on which classes you take).

1-2 hours per each class, depending on the level o f difficulty

2-3 hours

5

It really depends on the classes. You may have weeks with no homework and o thers with multiple papers o f 20+ pages so it depends on the pace at which you work andwhether you like to do a little each day or everything at once.

6 hours

3-4

5-10

5

2 - 3 hours

2-3 hours on average

5 hours a week should be more than enough.

2 hours

2 or 3

3-4 hours depending on the courses you take.

5 hours

2

several hours

3 hours

2-3 hours

3-5hours

3-5

2 hours

5

Total Responses 30

T ext Respo nse

St at ist ic Value

25. 34. How, if at all, does the structure o f the courses differ from those atUSC? Did you like or dislike these differences?

First o ff, the semester is much shorter (about 10 weeks), and classes are all three hours, once a week. This difference takes some adjustment, but it's completely doable.Second, they use a more practical approach, and incentivate students to be more analytical and use the theory learned (in previous classes) to support their arguments.

Not very many little assignments. Only attendance and a final paper and final test matter. Also , each class only met once a week.

First o ff, it was a 10-week semester, so it goes by much faster. Each course had one three-hour session per week (with a break) in which there is a lo t o f material covered,but at the same time, it is only once a week. I only had a final exam for 2 out o f my 5 classes. In the o ther ones, they were final pro jects. I did not have midterms, but this isbecause the marketing classes I took were mostly practical and the evaluation was mostly on the regular assignments we had to do. In general I liked the structure, but wasa bit uncertain as to how I would do throughout the semester because there was not many different ways to improve the grades.

g

In general, the main difference between ESADE courses and the ones I have taken at USC are that ESADE courses emphasize a lo t more group work, presentations, andcase studies. I liked this difference for an international exchange experience because it allowed us the opportunity to work closely with students from around the world andto learn from how they approach different problems. It was also interesting to learn about the structure o f courses at o ther international universities. In addition, anotherdifference is that most o f the courses do not have mandatory homework, tests or midterms. Therefore, all o r most o f your course grade depends on your final pro ject orfinal grades. The pro fessors assign recommended readings and assignments, but fo r most courses, they will no t check whether you have done the homework. As a result,it took more self motivation than at USC to keep up with class material.

In the classes that I took, my prfessors provided printed or online handouts. I only had to buy a book for one class. I really liked this!! In addition, there was a lo t o f groupwork. In effect one o f my classes elimited the final and we were graded in our presentation and team contribution. This may seem to leasen the work load but you have tomake sure you do your part.

In general, the main difference between ESADE courses and the ones I have taken at USC are that ESADE courses emphasize a lo t more group work, presentations, andcase studies. I liked this difference for an international exchange experience because it allowed us the opportunity to work closely with students from around the world andto learn from how they approach different problems. It was also interesting to learn about the structure o f courses at o ther international universities. In addition, anotherdifference is that most o f the courses do not have mandatory homework, tests or midterms. Therefore, all o r most o f your course grade depends on your final pro ject orfinal grades. The pro fessors assign recommended readings and assignments, but fo r most courses, they will no t check whether you have done the homework. As a result,it took more self motivation than at USC to keep up with class material.

There is definitely a difference between course structure since in Spain most classes are very case and discussion based. There is a lo t o f focus on the final presentationand exam, that compromise a huge portion o f the grade. Moreover, the teachers use mostly powerpo ints and do not rely on textbooks (books weren't required for any o fmy courses). Thus, it is crucial to attend the lectures since they co intain much o f the learned information.

Grades are insignificant to the instructors, they stress quality o f work more than length and do not focus on grades nearly as much. It was difficult in the beginning when theAmericans would ask about grades and the instructors didn't have answers and the Spanish students kind o f laughed that we cared so much. After we got used to it, it wasnice and much less stressful. I felt that I learned a lo t about presentation skills and how to relax in the less stressful environment.

Same structure

Structure differed course by course. Overall, there was less homework. One class was 100 percent final exam. The rest placed alo t o f emphasis on papers. Most paperswere personal reflective essays, go ing along with the themes o f my classes. Classes also met once a week for 3 hours each. Like at USC there are different styles witheach instructure. Some lecture for 3 straight hours and are completely oblivious to students reactions. Others are extremely interactive, even moreso than some Americaninstructors. Overall, I liked the approach to education.

More group work and attendance did not matter. End-loaded too with a lo t o f preparation for the final. No midterms.

Long class periods but usually only once a week and for 10 weeks. I really liked this system, it seemed a lo t more efficient.

The courses at ESADE are much more discussion and case based. There are no textbooks or listed curriculum of "what you should learn by the end." Of course, there is acurriculum, but it just isn't as clear as at USC. All my testing was either groupwork, cases or papers. Although this was good for a semester abroad because I could slack,overall I like the American style better.

Some of the courses lasted only half the semester, which was tough to get used to . But it did provide for variety in the studies. Also, a good deal o f the grades rested on thefinal pro ject or exam, not homework.

ESADE classes were much more team-oriented than USC. Most o f our grades were based on pro jects, in which we teamed up in groups o f 3 - 5. These pro jects were allbased on real- life, current, and global cases and since my team members were from countries such as Greece, Germany, and France, it gave me a multiculturalunderstanding o f these cases. In addition, it was a great to see how the students from different backgrounds attacked these cases in different ways. Also, since we had somany group pro jects, there was more motivation to do well in the classes because my efforts would also affect how well o thers performed in the class. Our final examswere our only individual pro jects and were a large part o f our final grade. They were all grouped into a couple o f weeks at the end o f the semester. However, most o f theexams from my classes were take-home or essay exams in which we could use our notes. The instruction at ESADE was less based on grades (we rarely saw the gradeswe got on our pro jects) and more based on actual learning which I benefited greatly from. A big difference was also the duration o f each class - all o f my classes were threehours long with a short break in the middle. I grouped all o f my classes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, which was exhausting, but I go t my classes out o f the way atthe beginning o f the week and saved time traveling back and forth.

Similar in terms o f being based on class discussion, and fewer but larger assignments. No traditional exams such as multiple cho ice. More case, paper, and group pro jectbased.

The structure o f all classes taught at ESADE grades students on the basis o f group pro jects and group work, which takes some getting used to . Having group work once ina while in one o f two classes is nice because you learn from others, but having it all the time in all classes is hard to coordinate in terms o f time and scheduling.

There are less tests and more group pro jects. I prefer the individual evaluation o f USC better because a lo t o f the time peers are more focused on traveling than getting thework done.

The courses are much more group-based which I liked but the pro fessors were not as pro fessional and organized.

The courses are 3 hours long and once a week. No courses are o ffered between 12-3PM. These differences were very suitable for this program because if you chose tolive in the city, the commute was long and this structure allowed for making less trips to the schoo l. However, I do not think I would like these differences if they occurred atUSC.

I loved that it was a lo t o f independent study and that it was not just about memorizing terms and ideas.

Tons o f group pro jects. Usually no finals.

They meet once a week and all incorporated groupwork heavily which is usually a great way to meet people, but sometimes very frustrating. There are less assignments,and more heavily weighted towards the midterm or final. Several classes had a final paper rather than exam which was convenient because you could complete it on yourown time.

The classes were much smaller and you got to know your pro fessors more. The classes are very interactive and there is lo ts o f group work with students from all over theworld, which is great. The topic matter in some of the classes was very different than the typical classes o ffered at USC, which was a nice change. Many o f the classesoffered a lo t more room for personal growth, reflection, and development.

I liked that classes were taught towards discussions rather than tests

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Classes meet 1x/wk for either two, three, or four hours at a time. Yeah, it’s long as hell. But the semester is only about 8-10wks long which is nice. Classes can be reallyhard to sit through but at least you don’t have to meet again later in the week. Lots o f group pro jects which is a good way to meet new students from around the world(although most likely those students will be either American or Canadian. Classes are all in English, so if you plan on writing your application essay about how you want to“integrate” within Spanish culture and learn the language (which is a bad idea in the first place) you might want to think again…

Yes. The structure was very different at ESADE. There is much less day-to-day homework and more focus on final pro jects and the midterm examinations. In someclasses, this was about 70-80 percent o f the class.

Classes are once a week, but each class is longer (most being 3 hours). A lo t o f group work and presentations so hard to coordinate but good for getting to know people.

More semester long group pro jects, less textbook reading/tests. I really liked it because it was more interactive.

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26. 35. Are there courses or pro fessors that you would particularrecommend? Please explain:

Gerard Costa is to my experience, one o f the finest pro fessors at ESADE. I had the opportunity to take two classes with him (Marketing Social and Trade & CategoryManagement) and have him as a guest speaker on a third class. He makes the class very dynamic, entertaining, and makes sure to explain difficult concepts thoroughly. Inhis lectures, he balances theory and important concepts with more practical activities, as well as brings guest speakers from different sectors and industries.

Spain: Recent History and Leadership

(As stated before, I only took marketing classes) If you can, take any possible class with Gerard Costa, he es the best pro fessor I have ever had. He applies theory topractical cases and events, and explains the concepts in a very clear way. He is strict but lenient (knows how to have balance between the two), and has a good sense o fhumor. As far as classes go, Estrategias de marketing internacional (International marketing strategies) was one o f the best classes I took there. The class is based oncase studies class, in which you put theory into practice, and learn real-business cases.

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I recommend the International Finance class with Lydia Ross. It was one o f the best classes that I took at ESADE because it was very interactive, and the “hands-on”approach helped me understand many o f the concepts. Pro fessor Ross was really interested in each o f her students and knew each person by name. She also heldindividual meetings with groups to o ffer advice for group pro jects. However, there is more work in this class than some of the o ther classes for exchange students anddepending on the commitment o f the o ther people in your group, this class can also be more time consuming (It was worth it!).

Key Accounts Management - Victor Noguer International Fiance - Lydia Ros Trade and Category Management - Gerard Costa

I recommend the International Finance class with Lydia Ross. It was one o f the best classes that I took at ESADE because it was very interactive, and the “hands-on”approach helped me understand many o f the concepts. Pro fessor Ross was really interested in each o f her students and knew each person by name. She also heldindividual meetings with groups to o ffer advice for group pro jects. However, there is more work in this class than some of the o ther classes for exchange students anddepending on the commitment o f the o ther people in your group, this class can also be more time consuming (It was worth it!).

I would recommend Professor Jaime Sabal, with whom I had 2 course: Bo lsas y Mercados Internacionales (CAPM) and Real Estate Financial Management. Both o f theseclasses were extremely interesting and engaging and I found that I acquired a lo t o f useful and relevant knowledge.

I recommend taking at least one seminar in the beginning o f the semester (before classes start) these are week long classes that are intensive and award full semestersworth o f credit. They are very informative and a good learning experience. Also, they allow you to get to know the o ther study abroad students from America, Canada, Asia,Italy, and a few Spanish students took these classes as well.

Yes, there are week-long seminars that count as full semester courses. They are at the beginning o f the semester and are extremely interesting yet challenging. By takingthem you can clear up your schedule for the remainder o f the semester. I also recommend Managing Innovation and Leadership.

Amy Leaverton was awesome. She was extrememly interactive and skilled at organizing class so that the 3 hour sessions were very interesting. Her Leadership classconsists o f alo t o f activities, and although some (like MBTI) also happen at USC, she has great feedback and commentary. I also enjoyed Conxita Fo lguera's Motivations,Values, and Committment class, although some of the lectures were dry, and o ther students didn't always appreciate this.

no

Leadership with Pro fessor Leaverton -you learn a lo t about yourself in that class.

I would definitely recommend Media Convergence and New Business Models with Santiago Colomina. Not only is the subject really interesting, Santiago works at theCatalan TV station and took us on 3 "field trips" to visit different businesses tackling the problems o f media convergence (ie. how the barriers between traditionally differentindustries such as TV, phone and internet are breaking down). I would also strongly recommend Leadership with Amy Leaverton. It's fun, easy, and interesting.

Media Convergence & New Business Models by Santiago Miralles: This teacher was actually a manager at a TV station (TV3), and knew the inner workings o f the industryfirst-hand. He was enthusiastic about his material and not only went over the trends and crazy new techno logy, but could explain it (he was an engineer) in laymen's terms.Business Environment and Public Po licy by Tamyko Figueres: She was trained in Harvard Law School, and is one o f the most brilliant teachers I've ever had. The course isNOT about environmental issues, rather it's about how business and government interact, more like a philosophy class.

Supply Chain Management - many MBA students from different backgrounds, small group pro jects, and an amazing pro fessor.

ESADE offers intensive week long courses before the o fficial start o f the schoo l term (mid January) that allows you to complete one whole course in that week instead overthe course o f the semester. This is how I was able to take less classes for the rest o f the term and fit the rest o f my classes into two days per week.

Definitely take Professor Alex Fernandez's courses like Spain: Recent History and Spanish Art and Culture. He is, by far, the best pro fessor at ESADE. He takes a real andpersonal interest in student's learning, and goes out o f his way to arrange culture immersion activities such as lunch at extremely local places. I understand it wouldn'tcount fo r Business credit, but it's more than worth it to get a real Spanish experience and understanding o f the Catalan culture.

No

Social Entrepreneurship with Clara Navarro .

Fashion Design, Strategic Branding and Innovation- This was less o f a focus on fashion and more on strategy behind how brands are established and on how you wouldgo branding yourself. It was a course that I found very applicable. I would also recommend Media Convergences and New Business Models because it is all case basedand the Professor held an executive position at the Catalan TV network (TV3) and he brought our class on a field trip to the studios. There he was able to elaborate thedrastic changes that have occurred in the Media industry. He also had very reputable guest speakers.

The Spanish Art and Culture course by Alex Fernandes is phenominal. For those who are interested in Marketing and can speak Spanish, the Brand Management course inSpanish was my favorite by far

n/a

Alexander de Ferdnandez Castro- awesome teacher and very knowledgeable. He teaches Spanish history and art/culture - both o f which I took. Though they do not countfor business credit, they were my favorite courses by far. You learn a lo t about where you are studying, history, po litics, and important cultural differences. He teaches in anengaging way, and also takes the class on a field trip which is fun.

Creativity and Innovation with Queralt Prat Pubill and Teresa Guardans was great. Also , Alex Fernandez Castro is AMAZING! Take any class with him if you get theopportunity. He teaches a class on Spanish Art, Spanish History, and Spanish film. He is very passionate about what he teaches and gets the students very invo lved, withlo ts o f opportunities outside o f the classroom to experience Spanish culture.

Depends on your interests

you really dont have very many class options so there is no real po int in recommending pro fessors. There arent multiple pro fessors teaching different sections o f thesame class. you get what you get and thats life at ESADE.

I would definitely recommend my Management o f Organizational Culture pro fessor!

Alex Fernandez de Castro-- Spanish Art and Culture class. Even though it was early morning it he made it exciting to go to class every week.

Spanish Art and Culture with Alex was awesome. Learning all about Spain and Barcelona really enhanced the study abroad experience.

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27. 36. Are there courses or pro fessors that you would advise against taking?Please explain:

I personally liked all the courses I took.

Emerging Economies

None

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I would advise against taking the elective course (1.5 unit class) titled “Creative Problem Solving in Management,” with Jose Luis Silva because the class had little to dowith problem so lving or business. The majority o f classes consisted o f watching videos and writing summaries, or filling in worksheets about the videos. The “EmergingEconomies” class with Pere Puig had a lo t o f potential to be good because it covered really interesting topics, but unfortunately his teaching style made it hard to learn theinformation. He o ften pasted many quotes from various articles on the slides and proceeded to read o ff o f every slide. However, Pro fessor Puig also invited many guestspeakers who were specialists in the various topics and many o f the guest speakers were very interesting.

Emerging Economies - Pere Puig - He is super boring. His power po int lecuture is a mess.

I would advise against taking the elective course (1.5 unit class) titled “Creative Problem Solving in Management,” with Jose Luis Silva because the class had little to dowith problem so lving or business. The majority o f classes consisted o f watching videos and writing summaries, or filling in worksheets about the videos. The “EmergingEconomies” class with Pere Puig had a lo t o f potential to be good because it covered really interesting topics, but unfortunately his teaching style made it hard to learn theinformation. He o ften pasted many quotes from various articles on the slides and proceeded to read o ff o f every slide. However, Pro fessor Puig also invited many guestspeakers who were specialists in the various topics and many o f the guest speakers were very interesting.

Corporate Social Responsibility sometimes felt like a waste o f time. I felt that such a fascinating subject was not properly covered.

Motivations, Values, and Commitment is a dry and repetitive class. However, I found that I did learn a lo t about managing people and motivation when I reflect back on theclass. No class was bad for me, but I heard that the finance classes were very hard and demanding.

No

Pere Puig and Ionna Chappu teach Emerging Economies, and this class is based on alo t o f economic principles. Good information is covered, yet the way it is presentedis difficult. Most lectures are accompanied by long powerpo ints filled with words and statements (each ppt has more info than most courses cover in a semester), and theprofessors basically have their back to the class and just read o ff the slides, which can make the 3 hours seem long, in addition to processing all the information for examsdifficult. The exam did end up being fair though with 50% being a takehome and the o ther 50% being in class. Although his Do ing Business Across Cultues is interesting,most people would agree that Roger Bell is a controversial grader, although he seems to like when students challenge his grades,and he o ften adjusts them afterwards.

no

Do not take finance classes if you can help it.

Meh- my o ther two courses (Marketing in Spain and Comunicácion de Marketing y Corporativa) were boring but not too hard. So I wouldn't necessarily advise against thembut they definitely weren't fun. I also took the seminar International Business Strategy which was extremely interesting but also very hard.

Marketing in Spain ended up being a general marketing class--not too much insight into Spanish culture and trends.

Public Po licy and the Environment - I thought this class was about green-friendly public po licies, but was disappo inted. Instead, it was a class with endlessly dull powerpo ints, confusing pro jects, and way too much reading.

Quantitative classes require valid efforts (from what I hear). Some classes have stringent attendance po licies - double check these!

Global Supply Chain Management was a pretty dull and un-informative class.

No

Media Convergence and New Business Models Managing Services

Corporate Social Responsibility- there were three pro fessors for this course, each with different teaching styles and grading methods which made the course veryconfusing in terms o f expectations and processing information.

Change Management fo r Service Excellence was quite dull.

Business and Sustainability with Matt Murphy- most boring class ever. Applied Portfo lio Management with Ramon Alfonso. Teacher is very boring. All his slides arecopy/paste from Wikipedia and Investopedia

N/A

Some of the teachers are not as committed to their jobs as USC pro fessors are. However, nobody was unbearable.

Tourism and Leisure Management. The pro fessor was very difficult to understand

Tourism & Leisure Management was god-awful

My pro fessor in my finance course, Ramon Alfonso, was a very nice person but took all o f his class notes from wikipedia and investopedia...

no

n/a

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28. 37. Has participation in this program influenced your academic or careergoals? How?

This program has definitely helped me both, academically and pro fessionally. By completing my concentration abroad, I was able to learn much more about Internationalbusiness, and about the European systems/markets/consumers/etc.

It has made me appreciate o ther cultures more. I would also consider working abroad.

Definitely. In accordance to my career goals in international business, I was able to learn much more about the European markets and industries. In addition, I was able tolearn different perspectives (European/Spanish) on do ing business.

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Before studying at ESADE I was planning on pursuing a career in international finance and/or real estate, particularly in East Asia. Participating in this program has greatlyincreased my interest in international business and the world, but has also introduced me to several o ther business areas that I would also like to explore. For example,due to ESADE’s strength in marketing and case analysis, participating in the program has helped increase my interest in marketing and strategic management orconsulting. The program also increased my interest in the European Union and possibly pursuing business opportunities in Europe.

Key Accounts and Trade Marketing have a focus on sales management which I enjoyed. You learn principles that will be valuable in any discipline. Usually we wouldn't beable to take similar courses at USC.

Before studying at ESADE I was planning on pursuing a career in international finance and/or real estate, particularly in East Asia. Participating in this program has greatlyincreased my interest in international business and the world, but has also introduced me to several o ther business areas that I would also like to explore. For example,due to ESADE’s strength in marketing and case analysis, participating in the program has helped increase my interest in marketing and strategic management orconsulting. The program also increased my interest in the European Union and possibly pursuing business opportunities in Europe.

In a way, now I definitely want to continue my career or education in Europe.

Yes, I learned that I really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds. It is a learning experience and forces you to see things from different perspectives. Myfavorite part o f the academic side o f the program was that we worked in groups a lo t and were forced to work with people from countries different than our own.

Rather than impacting my goals, it has stimulated me to more strongly pursue my goals. Having been exposed to European/Canadian undergrad+grad students, I take mygoals much more seriously.

Yes, I continue to be very interested in o ther cultures, and I now know that I would be very comfortable living and working in another country, which is something I wouldhave never even considered previously.

Yes. I have a more global education and I feel that i understand how business works internationally than I did before.

Yes, I would love the opportunity to live abroad while working sometime in the future.

It showed me that working in international business could be a great future career goal. I loved looking at how different cultures affected business and would love to exploreworking internationally or helping smooth the cultural problems in merging/takeover situations.

My Media Convergence class certainly opened my eyes to the death o f broadcast TV and the introduction o f new media models--pushing me to pursue business that ismore internet-focused. My public po licy class also exposed me to public po licy work, and how to work with the government instead o f FOR the government. Neat topics tobring back to the States.

The classes, students, and pro fessors I had the opportunity to spend a semester with opened my eyes to how internally focused American business can be. ESADE hasdefinitely made me consider pursuing a career abroad.

This program re-affirmed my interest in pursuing international career paths.

It's made me more open to the idea o f international employment.

I think it has heightened my appreciation for o ther cultures.

Taking Social Entrepreneurship has helped me realize that I can combine business with philanthropic values.

Yes, it has reinstated my desire for a career with international relations that allows me to communicate with different nationalities and use my multi- lingual abilities.

Yes, the Brand Management class confirmed that I wanted to pursue brand strategy as a career.

no

N/A

I have opened up my mindset on what I can do in my life. After meeting so many people from all over the world with such different experiences and plans, I have realizedthat I have so many options in my life and I do not have to fo llow one set path.

Got a lo t out o f it career-wise outside o f the classroom

Just reinforced how small the world is, how important it is to understand what is happening around the world and how it impacts you on a daily basis (i.e. financial crisis inEurope affecting US economy or LIBOR in England affecting interest rates in the US, etc). Definitely reminded me that I want to work internationally at one po int, too .

Made me a little more interested in finance/portfo lio management.

makes me want to pursue a career that allows me to travel or engage internationally

Yes, would like international opportunities

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29. Please tell us about your experience with the foreign language o f yourhost country: 38 . Besides English, what is (are) the language(s) mostprominently spoken on the campus o f the university where you studied?

Spanish and Catalan

Catalan is the predominant language. Castilian (Spanish) is the second most spoken language.

v

Catalan, Castellano (Spanish)

Catalan (even if you speak Spanish, you can't understand it) and Spanish!!!

Catalan, Castellano (Spanish)

Spanish, Catalan

Spanish, Italian

Spanish, Italian

Spanish and Catalan

Catalan/Spanish

Spanish, Catalan

Spanish and Catalan

Spanish, Catalan (not as much, but among locals)

Catalan, Spanish, German

Catalan, then Spanish

Catalan and Castillan

Spanish, Catalan

Spanish and Catalan

Catalan and Castilian

Spanish, Catalan

Spanish

Spanish, Catalan

Spanish, Catalan

Spanish/Catalan

Catalan

Spanish, Catalan (NOT THAT MUCH DON'T WORRY!)

Catalan, Spanish

Catalan, Spanish

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30. 39. Did you speak the host language, or receive any language training inthe host language prio r to , o r during your semester abroad? If yes, pleaseexplain:

Mostly English. There is a free spanish class at the beginning o f the semester.

Castilian is actually my first language.

v

I spoke high schoo l level Spanish before go ing to Barcelona. I took ESADE's two week language course prio r to the start o f the semester.

I am fluent in Spanish.

I spoke high schoo l level Spanish before go ing to Barcelona. I took ESADE’s 2 week language course for exchange students before the semester started.

Yes, I studied Spanish previously fo r 6 years. I also had experience living and working for 2 months in Mexico City.

yes- my father and his family are from Argentina, I took Spanish for 5 years prio r to co llege and up to level 4 spanish at USC the semester before I left. I plan to take morespanish electives should my schedule allow it this year.

No

I studied Spanish for 4 years in high schoo l, but I was on the lower level o f mediocre when I arrived. I took the 2 week refresher course at ESADE which was very helpful anda GREAT way to meet o ther exchange students. The people who take the class stood close throughout the semester. I made some Spanish friends, and the owner o f myapartment also lived in my apartment and she spoke no English, so I used alo t o f Spanish. I also learned some Catalan phrases.

a bit o f spanish from high schoo l

I took several years o f Spanish in middle schoo l & high schoo l and the language is spoken in my house. During my time in Spain, I spoke a little but improved myunderstanding o f Spanish a lo t. I did not know any Catalan and I now know only a few phrases in that language.

I did not receive any training, but I chose to live with a group o f people who only speak Spanish in the apartment. This, plus taking a class in Spanish and simply being opento speak spanish with whoever was around, helped tremendously and put me miles ahead o f o ther international students. If you have the desire to learn and you putyourself into situations where you are forced to , you will improve.

I studied Spanish in elementary and high schoo l. I definitely spoke it when I traveled around Spain, and practiced with some local friends. It REALLY helps to have thebasics if you want to make local friends--most Spaniards don't speak the best English, so it helps to meet halfway.

I took Spanish in middle schoo l and in high schoo l, which helped in asking for directions and with taxis. It didn't help too much, because although everyone speaksSpanish, locals speak Catalan by default. Catalan is a mix between Spanish and French and it's incomprehensible even if you're a strong Spanish speaker. However, ALLof the students and pro fessors and a majority o f the locals speak English, so language wasn't much o f a barrier.

No

I had taken high schoo l spanish classes prio r to go ing abroad, but prio r to the beginning o f the semester, we were enro lled in a Spanish Intensive Crash Course inCastillan Spanish that was pretty useful.

I took Spanish in high schoo l and took one semester o f higher level Spanish while at USC.

I learned Spanish in high schoo l but fo rgot most o f it. I started speaking again in Barcelona.

No, I spoke Castilian fluently before arriving.

Yes, I was fairly competent in Spanish before and took the Spanish Crash Course at ESADE as well

yes- 4 years in high schoo l and a 2 week intensive course at beginning o f program abroad.

No, but I found a Spanish tutor by my apartment which was helpful in learning basic conversational Spanish.

I have taken Spanish classes through high schoo l.

I could understand it and took a two week crash course

Again, classes at ESADE are all in English which has its obvious pros and cons. Would have loved to learn the language a little more, but then again I definitely would havestruggled if my classes were all in Spanish. It's a trade o ff. Just try to find an apartment with spanish-speaking roommates so that you can actually speak the language on adaily basis. There is a spanish crash course o ffered at the beginning o f the semester--take it just to meet people.

Yes. Definitely take the two week intensive Spanish course! Its 2 weeks long and starts at 8am but definitely well worth it! You meet students in the program and get to brushup on your spanish skills upfront. It's also very relaxed and the teachers are great (i had 2 different ones because I switched into an easier class and they were great)

2 week intensive Spanish course before the program

No. One week long Spanish class

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31. Then rate:

1 1) Your language skills before the program: 3 6 8 12 29 3.00

2 2) Language training on the program: 4 12 10 3 29 2.41

3 3) Your pro ficiency after the program: 7 9 12 1 29 2.24

Min Value 1 1 1

Max Value 4 4 4

Mean 3.00 2.41 2.24

Variance 1.07 0.75 0.76

Standard Deviation 1.04 0.87 0.87

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# Quest io n Excellent Go o d Fair Po o r T o t al Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic 1) Yo ur language skills bef o re t he pro gram: 2) Language t raining o n t he pro gram: 3) Yo ur pro f iciency af t er t he pro gram:

32. 40. Did cultural/social activities sponsored by the program assist you inlanguage acquisition?

no

Yes

v

No.

I learned that most international students found themselves practicing Spanish only during the language training weeks. They were speaking English most o f the time.

No

Not really because in all o f these activities people spoke Eglish

I practiced with the Spanish students and they practiced their english.

No

Not so much (there weren't very many) but the 2 week course was helpful.

No

Yes

There was no "program" at ESADE. We just went to schoo l there. So no, they did nothing to help.

No

No - most students are international so when we spent time with them, we spoke in English.

No

Yes, we had cooking classes and wine tasting classes that were pretty interesting.

No

no

No, everyone spoke English.

not really, everyone spoke English

no

N/A

Most students spoke English as our classes were all taught in English, so no there was not a lo t o f language acquisito in

Yes

haha

Yes. The orientation program.

not really

no

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33. 41. Did outside/o ther activities help? Please explain.

no

I had the opportunity to travel around Spain during the semester, which was nice because I got to talk to locals from different towns/cities.

v

Looking for housing helped my Spanish abilities because many people renting out rooms only spoke Spanish.

n/a

Looking for housing on my own helped my language acquisition.

Yes, finding and intereacting with the natives on my own definitely helped

I made an effort to speak spanish to everyone outside o f my american friends

Yes, day to day tasks and interactions forced me to learn some simple vocabulary

Yes, I tried to speak whenever I could, and I became much more comfortable conversing in Spanish.

Yes - hanging out with ESADE local students and Spaniards helped

Yes, in restaurants, shopping, finding directions, etc.

YES, living with people who spoke spanish and forcing myself to speak spanish to them even though I knew they spoke English too.

Traveling to Southern Spain (Andalucia) and self-study

I was timid in speaking Spanish with locals at first, but the more I practiced, the more comfortable I felt with it - you will be amazed at what you still remember from highschool Spanish classes! It was hard not to speak in English because practically everyone did. However, I probably used more Spanish when I visited Madrid than inBarcelona. Catalan was impossible to learn.

Language acquisition is more so facilitated by independent efforts to speak with native speakers. Students, however, will want to speak English with you, and they arefluent.

Hanging out with locals always helps

Yes, every day interactions such as go ing to the grocery store or talking to my landlord helped me improve my Spanish. Additionally, continuously reading the signshelped.

yes, but I had to find those on my own.

Yes, especially dealing with Catalan Agents and Landlords, phone companies, post o ffices.

A lo t o f meeting locals was on your own

yes- simply go ing to the grocery store, ordering at restauraunts, taxis, meeting spanish people

N/A

Speaking with locals was the main way to learn and practice Spanish

Yes just talking to people

live with students who aren't american/canadian

Other activities on campus, dinners in barcelona that the IIEES put on, also the ski trip!

yes, just daily interaction with local people

no

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34. 42. What percentage o f students on the campus o f your host country(would you estimate) actively speak English?

20%

30%

v

100% (All the students I met spoke at least conversational English.)

20~30% mostly conversations with international students. All local students speak Catalan or Spanish among themselves. Mostly all o f them are pro ficient in English.

100% (All the students I met spoke at least conversational English)

20

85%

95%

On campus most speak in Spanish or Catalan but if approached in English probably close to 100% would respond in English.

90%

All that are not exchange students. Maybe 90%.

85%

20-30

100% It is a requirement to attend ESADE.

70%; This is difficult to determine because the students you will interact with the most and those you see in your classes will be the ones with the best mastery o f English.It's hard to speak for the o ther students, who are the majority but with whom you will no t have much interaction with.

85%

90%

75%

100% speak English. Probably about 60% actively speak it.

40-50% speak English WELL, almost everyone speaks a little

100

80% (though general people throughout the city I would say much less, perhaps 50%)

75%

Most o f them

95%

75-100

90%

90

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35. 43. How would you recommend that students prepare for languagedifferences abroad?

Rosetta Stone

Movies always help improve your listening skills and understanding. Carry a pocket dictionary with you. Practice simple/basic phrases

v

Since ESADE offers many classes in English, it is not necessary to speak Spanish to do well in the classes. However, from what I heard, it seems that many o f the classesoffered in Spanish are on average better. Therefore, it would be useful to brush up on Spanish before go ing to Barcelona. This could invo lve just reviewing books fromprevious courses or watching TV shows or movies in Spanish. ESADE offers two free programs for exchange students before classes start. One that is longer and moreintensive for those who do not speak any Spanish and by the end, most students learned enough to get around Spain on their own. There is also a shorter program forstudents who have learned some Spanish and is a good refresher course. I highly recommend participating in one o f these programs because this is where you can alsomeet many o ther exchange students before the semester starts.

Take the Spanish training lessons in your exchange program. If possible take Spanish courses beforehand so you can practice even more. Don't be afraid and let peopleknow that you want to learn so they can help you out!

Since ESADE offers many classes in English, it is not necessary to speak Spanish to do well in the classes. However, from what I heard, it seems that many o f the classesoffered in Spanish are on average better. Therefore, it would be useful to brush up on Spanish before go ing to Barcelona. This could invo lve just reviewing books fromprevious courses or watching TV shows or movies in Spanish. ESADE offers two free programs for exchange students before classes start. One that is longer and moreintensive for those who do not speak any Spanish and by the end, most students learned enough to get around Spain on their own. There is also a shorter program forstudents who have learned some Spanish and is a good refresher course. I highly recommend participating in one o f these programs because this is where you can alsomeet many o ther exchange students before the semester starts.

Don't worry about it. Most people had a good grasp o f English, especially since ESADE host many international exchange programs with students from all over the worldthat speak English. Besides, Barcelona is a major tourist spot and thus many locals have mastered the English language.

Take a semester o f the language, also there are intensive language courses o ffered the week before the semester starts and you can meet o ther exchange students thatway also

If you can speak the host language, or learn some basics prio r to arriving, it will be appreciated.

Learn basic phrases like hello , how much does this cost, how to ask for directions, do you speak english and have a dictionary. In European countries ERASMUS studentswho travel from other European countries are always looking to meet up with English speakers to practice and they usually also o ffer to teach their language and they postabout their interest in many ERASMUS facebook groups.

go in with an open mind and be willing to learn

Get a pocket dictionary!

If you have previous experience with Spanish, review a bit. I talked to the bussers and dishwashers at the restaurant I worked at. If you have no experience, I've heardRosetta Stone is good. Of course, I know people who got by not learning any Spanish whatsoever, but I wouldn't recommend that.

Self-study before, take the crash course at the beginning o f the semester

Speak to more locals and buy a couple o f travel guides with local phrases.

Know the basics.

It might be uncomfortable at first, but living/rooming with locals definitely helps in language and culture acquisition.

I would say it is important to know some basics, but it is not necessary to be even close to fluent because enough people speak English to survive.

Try to pick up the basics and learn when you get there.

I did not take it, but I would say taking the Spanish Intensive course o ffered by the schoo l.

Don't be afraid to practice! Everyone will want to speak English with you, but it is up to you to make the effort and actually get better.

practice beforehand. Maybe do a rosetta stone.

Learn Spanish if you can, o ther than that be open and patient.

Make sure you know the basics by either taking a few classes or reading a language book. You will feel more comfortable if you at least know how to get around. That said,a large portion o f people will be able to speak at least some English

Learn the basics and differences between Spanish and Catalan

uhhh, Rosetta Stone?

Be open to trying! Everyone knows english at ESADE but be prepared to go for it even if you're spanish language skills aren't great!

learn basic conversational phrases

Be observant but language didn't pose a significant problem for me while abroad

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36. Click to write Co lumn 2

1 Housing coordination 19 6 3 28 1.43

2 On-site personal advising and informal support 2 12 14 28 2.43

3 Orientation in Los Angeles 7 3 18 28 2.39

4 Instructional facilities 0 3 25 28 2.89

5 Medical/dental facilities 13 8 7 28 1.79

6 Recreational facilities 14 11 3 28 1.61

7 USC Financial Aid 5 11 12 28 2.25

8 Communication with o ffice in Los Angeles 0 12 16 28 2.57

Min Value 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2

Max Value 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Mean 1.43 2.43 2.39 2.89 1.79 1.61 2.25 2.57

Variance 0.48 0.40 0.77 0.10 0.69 0.47 0.56 0.25

StandardDeviation 0.69 0.63 0.88 0.31 0.83 0.69 0.75 0.50

TotalResponses 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

# Quest io n No t Available Available But No t Used Available And Used T o t al Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic Ho usingco o rdinat io n

On-sit e perso naladvising and inf o rmal

suppo rt

Orient at io nin Lo s

Angeles

Inst ruct io nalf acilit ies

Medical/dent alf acilit ies

Recreat io nalf acilit ies

USCFinancial

Aid

Co mmunicat io nwit h o f f ice inLo s Angeles

37. Click to write Co lumn 2

1 Housing coordination 7 9 9 0 3 28 2.39

2 On-site personal advising and informalsupport 0 3 19 4 2 28 3.18

3 Orientation in Los Angeles 0 0 12 11 5 28 3.75

4 Instructional facilities 0 0 10 9 9 28 3.96

5 Medical/dental facilities 3 3 17 2 3 28 2.96

6 Recreational facilities 3 7 12 1 5 28 2.93

7 USC Financial Aid 1 0 16 3 8 28 3.61

8 Communication with o ffice in Los Angeles 0 1 10 8 9 28 3.89

Min Value 1 2 3 3 1 1 1 2

Max Value 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Mean 2.39 3.18 3.75 3.96 2.96 2.93 3.61 3.89

Variance 1.43 0.52 0.56 0.70 1.07 1.48 1.06 0.84

StandardDeviation 1.20 0.72 0.75 0.84 1.04 1.21 1.03 0.92

TotalResponses 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

# Quest io n Unaccept able Belo wAverage Average Abo ve

Average Accept able T o t al Respo nses Mean

St at ist ic Ho usingco o rdinat io n

On-sit e perso naladvising and inf o rmal

suppo rt

Orient at io nin Lo s

Angeles

Inst ruct io nalf acilit ies

Medical/dent alf acilit ies

Recreat io nalf acilit ies

USCFinancial

Aid

Co mmunicat io nwit h o f f ice inLo s Angeles

38. 44. Did you live in...

1 Dorm 0 0%

2 Apartment 27 96%

3 Other 1 4%

Total 28

Min Value 2

Max Value 3

Mean 2.04

Variance 0.04


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39. 45. If you used STA Travel fo r transportation arrangements, were yousatisfied? Please explain.

N/A

Yes, I go t a good price and good service. They notified me every time my flight got cancelled and (after I called them) made the necessary arrangements with the airline forme to get on another flight.

I bought a Eurail pass from STA travel. The travel agent was very helpful.

n/a

I did not use STA.

n/a

N/A

N/A

Not used

N/A

No

Not used

NA

N/A

N/A

NA

Yes, they arranged the flight and I had no problems with any o f them.

Extremely. Well o rganized and low-prices.

Yes, they were very accommodating and found great fares.

did not use

n/a

N/A

Did not use

No

NA

Yes. For my airfare. You can change your return flight fo r $50! Definitely book with them.

n/a

n/a

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40. 46. Is there any aspect o f the program that you would like to see changedor different? (VERY IMPORTANT!)

Finding housing was the toughest part o f the semester. I don't know if there is much that can be done, because Esade doesn't have resedential facilities.

More information/orientation about housing because it was difficult fo r all o f us to find it.

The most stressful and not enjoyable aspect o f the program was searching for housing on my own. It was very difficult and time consuming. Other than housing postings atESADE, there was no housing coordination. Even if ESADE can not provide housing, it would be great if USC could work with either alumni or o ther services to helpcoordinate housing for students in Barcelona. I was also unable to register fo r all the classes I wanted because o f difficulties with registration. It would be helpful in thefuture if either ESADE changed their registration system to one that is automatic, o r they better explain the system to students before registration starts (fo r example, it isvery difficult to change classes).

I wish I had received a list o f housing available for students to start the search from the USA. The list was available but til we went to look for it at ESADE. Looking for anapartment was a big hassle. I hope the new campus has accomodation for international students.

The most stressful and not enjoyable aspect o f the program was searching for housing on my own. It was very difficult and time consuming. Other than housing postings atESADE, there was no housing coordination. Even if ESADE can not provide housing, it would be great if USC could work with either alumni or o ther services to helpcoordinate housing for students in Barcelona. I was also unable to register fo r all the classes I wanted because o f difficulties with registration. It would be helpful in thefuture if either ESADE changed their registration system to one that is automatic, o r they better explain the system to students before registration starts (fo r example, it isvery difficult to change classes).

Help with housing coordination from the host university. A lo t o f students had trouble finding their own living arrangements, especially those whose Spanish was verylimited. A better orientation in Barcelona that actually contains valuable and helpful information. Better organization ( I know that the Sant Cugat campus is new and thereare many logistical issues, but the fact that they haven't even given me a student card is ridiculous)

The campus was under construction and just moved so it was difficult to get around and to find everything needed for support, but this will be done by next semester

Abso lutely not

I was happy with my housing accomodations, despite the 3 weeks it took me to find something (I lived in a hostel fo r that time). What I found interesting was the cost o f theprogram and what was included. I paid USC tuition for classes, but at ESADE exchange students from public schoo ls paid their tuition (much lower) fo r the sameexperience. I am also aware o f USC students who traveled through the College who paid USC tuition and had housing, food, and a variety o f weekend trips included in thesame price. I liked the flexability o f the program in being able to make my own decisions, but I paid much more money than students in o ther programs. I know of o therstudents who studied abroad through o ther agencies that cover classes, housing, food, and weekend trips (all costing much less than IEP) and were able to transfer theircoursework (including business classes at Universitat Autonomia de Barcelona) to their US institutions. I'm curious if Marshall would accept such coursework, as thiswould be a cheaper alternative for a very comparable experience.

encouraging students to go earlier and stay longer!

Housing was very difficult to find. Help with this would have been a major plus.

Overall, more help and information on housing!!! If we wanted to live in Barcelona, we were pretty much restricted to finding a place with the o ther USC students. What I did(go to Barcelona, stay in a hotel while looking at millions o f apartments) was very difficult and stressful (but, in my opinion, worth it). If there had been ANY information onESADE students who needed roommates etc. would have made it a lo t less stressful. Also , orientation occurred a MONTH after I had already been living there! Maybemake an early orientation for students who take the seminars/language course. When they asked "who still needs somewhere to live?" and no one raised their handsbecause we had been there a month stressing about that very thing, I wanted to strangle someone.

More preparation for o ff-campus housing would be helpful. Using sites like locquo.com or contacting an agent before-hand were very helpful.

Finding housing was a big pain. We were on our own and we stayed in a hostel fo r a week and a half before finding a place. When we arrived in Barcelona, we were literallyon our own and the orientation at ESADE was not until the first week o f schoo l. The international exchange program at ESADE could have been more supportive.

Have a clear cut list o f reliable housing sources for Barcelona and a brief outline o f the process, i.e. when to start looking for housing, pros and cons o f using a source withan agent, nuances such as agency fees and utility fees, etc.

It would be difficult to implement but I wish there were more variety o f classes o ffered in English at ESADE.

I think the communication between USC and the host program could be improved. Additionally, on the host program end, their class registration needs to be improvedbecause o ften classes would be switched to Spanish without notifying the students.

I think there needs to be in increase on courses that we can take. There were many classes that I found interesting that I couldn't take because it would not qualify.

More integration with the ESADE students aside from courses taken in Spanish. A little bit more assistance finding apartments/student roommates. Quicker communicationand actions in administrative affairs.

I really think they should help more with housing options. That way the exchange students would live closer in proximity as well. I think that students should be pushed totake Spanish classes; I was actually discouraged from do ing it and I ended up getting the highest grade in my Spanish class, and passed BOTH of the business courses Itook. I think taking Business classes in Spanish is really the most valuable thing about this location, and I don't know why it is discouraged.

There needs to be more assistance to find housing. Also, there is not enough interaction with local spanish students because everyone lives o ff campus in Barcelona andthe schoo l is outside o f Barcelona.

I think it is strange the schoo l does not o ffer a real Spanish course that lasts an entire semester. I know there was a two week crash-course o ffered, which I was not able tocome early enough to attend. Though from students I've spoken to they did not find it very helpful. This would definitely enhance the program. Other than that, abso lutelygreat program, no complaints!

I think a little more guidance on finding apartments would be helpful. Many students were charge exorbitant fees for using agents, but there was not really another way tofind apartments.

No enjoyed it very much

It's a delicate balance: No doubt that the quality o f instruction at ESADE was garbage and it was clear that there was an entire curriculum dedicated just to exchangestudents (aka dumbed down classes, less class cho ices, poor instructors who didn't really care). So on one hand I feel like I wasted tuition do llars. On the o ther hand doyou really want tough, challenging classes while abroad? I dont really know. If only the classes were more interesting and stimulating, but didn't have a lo t o f outsidework....that would probably be an ideal world haha.

Finding an apartment was very stressful because USC and ESADE don't help at all! ESADE has dorm in Sant Cugat but you definitely do not want to live there. Instead try tofind an apartment online through agencies or craigslist sites such as Loquo.com. My landord was wonderful and we had a great apartment next to the train that brings youto schoo l. His name was ralph and his email is [email protected]. Ask for the 176 Arribau apartment fo r 4-5 people!

a greater selection o f classes

More advice on housing options before leaving for Spain

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41. 47. Additional comments on services and coordination.

Overall, highly satisfied.

N/A

good!

you can ask the coordinator if you need anything, they are willing to help

N/A

USC is on top o f everything, but as I was warned, ESADE does things at its own pace. A good lesson learned in Spain is not to freak out because things will always getdone, but they may not get done until much later that they would in the US, as there is no rush. This is notable during the drop/add period for classes (you can't just makequick changes like at USC for registration). In my experience, I ended up not being dropped for a class I requested to drop, and I found out at the end o f the semester that Igot a 0 . After some work, I was able to drop it, but registration works much differently, and it is necessary to keep on top o f the advisors to make sure the changes you needactually get done.

N/A

Overall good academic help.

You must be VERY independent about finding housing in Barcelona. Use a few key housing websites, examine the site before making any sort o f commitment, and be verydiscerning about the terms you agree to . Most contracts don't charge for utilities until the very end, and it will be the majority o f your very large deposit. On the o ther hand,apartment landlords are sometimes good about providing most household basics.

None.

n/a

N/A

I think living in apartments in Barcelona (not Sant Cugat, where the schoo l is located), is the best housing option and is very convenient and fun. However, I think a little bitmore guidance would be helpful.

Very good

none

Live in the Eixample or Gothic District is my reccomendation!

n/a

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42. Please tell us about your travel experiences. 48 . How did you find yourarrangements to the host institution?

1 Travel Agent 5 18%

2 Online 23 82%

3 Other: 0 0%

Total 28

Min Value 1

Max Value 2

Mean 1.82

Variance 0.15


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43. Would you recommend this method?

Yes

Yes, I would recommend looking online and also with a travel agent, and go from there.

Yes.

Orbitz.com

Yes

Yes, it's fast and easy.

if you know how to schedule a flight

Yes

Yes

yes

Yes

sure

The website had limited information.

Yes

Yes. I go t a great deal from Orbitz.

Yes, but it depends on you. It's not necessary

Yes.

yes

Yes, quick and reliable for the most part and gives you the ability to compare options.

Yes

yes

yes

Don't bother with a travel agent. It is very expensive and it is very easy to get flights on expedia or cheapoair.com

Yes

yeah

Yes

yes

Yes

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44. 49. What was the average cost fo r round-trip tickets to your host country?

150

1200 US do llars

$1350

$1,200

$1350

640

Not sure, I used miles

No idea, used po ints

They were below 1000 roundtrip when I booked early, but when British Airways threatened to go on strike the week I was supposed to leave and I looked up a 1 way ticketback, it was close to 4000 do llars, so book early.

1,100

80-200 euro , varied a lo t depending on destination

free, used the parents miles

I got a great deal from LAX to BCN for $600, but it took lo ts o f checking beforehand. Expect around $800

about $650

$600

$1400.00

$1000

1400

Around $700 - LAX to BCN; Within europe average $70

used a miles ticket

$1,000

Got through mileage but shouldn't pay more than $1,000.

My roundtrip ticket was about $1000 from Califo rnia to Barcelona, but I know others who got it fo r about $700

Around 800 I believe

$1000?

800

$1000

$900

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45. 50. How often did you travel and to where?

Almost every weekend. Paris, Italy, London, Madrid, Zaragoza, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Morocco, Malaga, Granada, Sevilla

Every two-three weeks. Around Spain during the semester, and around Europe one the semester was over. In Spain I would recommend go ing to the Andalucia area(South): Cordoba, Granada, and Sevilla. Also to the central area (Madrid, To ledo, Salamanca, Zaragoza, etc)

During the semester I traveled on average every o ther weekend and travelled mostly throughout Spain (fo r example, to Madrid, Seville, and Salamanca). After the semester Istayed for winter break and travelled around Europe.

I did some travel before classes started. Then, I travel every 2-3 weeks. Spain (Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Madrid, Salamanca, Zaragoza) France (Paris, Niza, Monte Carlo)Switzerland (Geneva) Germany (Munich) Italy (Rome, Florence, Pisa, Venice) Amsterdam Morocco

During the semester I traveled on average every o ther weekend and travelled mostly throughout Spain (fo r example, to Madrid, Seville, and Salamanca). After the semester Istayed for winter break and travelled around Europe.

I travelled about every 2 weeks -- around Spain and in Europe (Switzerland, France, UK, Italy, Malta, etc.) I also ventured into Africa (Tunisia and Morocco)

1-2 times per month: Portugal, Italy, Seville (Spain), Madrid (Spain), England, Mallo rca (Spain), San Sebastian (Spain)

Every o ther week: Ireland, Prague, Madrid, Italy, Greece, Israel, Berlin, Switzerland, Amsterdam

Almost every weekend (my weekends were Thurs-Sun, and there are so many ho lidays, that many weekends were longer). I didn't want to sacrifice my Barcelonaexperience, so I spent alo t o f time in the city, but I also traveled to these places: In Spain: Smaller cities surrounding Barcelona (i.e. Tarragona, Vilanove i la Geltru,Figueres) Valencia Madrid (and To ledo) Basque Country (San Sebastian and Bilbao) Andalucia (Seville, Cordoba, and Granada along with nearby Gibraltar and Tangier,Morocco) Andorra (a really small country 3 hours drive from Barcelona) Monaco In France: Paris Provence (Aix en Provence, Arles, Pont du Gard, Avignon) The FrenchRiviera (Cannes and Nice) The Netherlands (Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Zaanse Schans) Italy (Venice) Switzerland (Geneva and Zurich)

about every o ther week (Italy, Sweden, Madrid, Morocco, France)

About every 2 weeks. I traveled all around Spain, Ireland, Portugal, The Netherlands and Morocco.

about every o ther to every third weekend. I went to Venice, the Swiss and French Alps, Paris, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Ireland, hiking through towns north o f Barcelona,Nice, Lake Como in Italy, Prague, and Croatia.

The first 2 months I stayed around Spain, then traveled out. Probably twice a month, not including day trips!

About twice a month when I was still in class: Paris, UK, Budapest, Dublin, Morocco, Madrid, Ibiza, Amsterdam. After classes and exams ended in April, I visited Italy andGreece.

Approximately every o ther week, though not the first 3 weeks, and only one trip during February. I left two weeks at the end o f the semester fo r more traveling. I recommendmore. Leave as much time at the end for relaxing in your host city/country and traveling to those places you didn't get to during the semester. My itinerary, in order: 1) Paris,France (I recommend go ing later, when it is warmer and not snowy/rainy) 2) Berlin, Germany 3) Dublin, Ireland 4) Spring break: Madrid/To ledo; Gran Canaria, The CanaryIslands 5) Balearic Islands: Mallo rca and Ibiza 6) Amsterdam, The Netherlands 7) Lisbon, Portugal 8) Marrakech, Morocco

8 times to Greek Islands, Italy, Budapest, Prague, Madrid, Segovia, London, and Paris.

I traveled to Italy (3 cities, one trip) and around Spain (3 cities, 2 trips). Additionally, I made day trips around Barcelona by train.

A few weekends: Valencia, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Mallo rca, Florence, Venice, Rome, Paris, Madrid, and Sevilla.

Once every 2 weeks. Vienna, Prague, Israel, Dublin, London, Lisbon, Malta; Amsterdam; Spain: Madrid, Ibiza, Seville; France: Paris, Marseilles, Cannes; Monaco; Italy:Naples, Pompei, Positano, Sorrento , Amalfi, Capri, Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice

Morocco, UK, Greece, Switzerland, many cities within Spain

two out o f three weekends. netherlands czech republic- prague spain- madrid, sevilla, san sebastian, Ibiza southern france hungary- budapest switzerland- Zermattmorocco- Marrakesh and Fez portugal- lagos and lisbon germany- munich Croatia- dubrovnik

Probably averaged to every o ther weekend: Amsterdam, Munich, London, Italy (Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre), Israel Spain: Madrid, South (seville, granada, malaga),Valencia, Mallo rca, Ibiza

I travelled almost every two weeks throughout Europe and to Northern Africa. I went to Madrid, Morocco, Bilbao and San Sebastian, Italy, Malaga and Granada, and Greece.After the program I will travel to Mallo rca and Paris.

Lots o f cities in Spain, Manchester, London, Paris, South o f France, Italy

every o ther weekend

Every 2-3 weekends. London, Rome, Florence, Budapest, Madrid, Seville, Sitges, Andorra, Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Marrakech, Fez, Lagos, Lisbon, Munich, Berlin,Prague, Drubovnik (Croatia)

once a month- valencia, mallo rca, madrid, copenhagen, london, geneva

About every 2 weeks. Paris, Rome, Canary Islands, Valencia, Tarragona, Copenhagen, Sweden, Munich, Amsterdam, Mallo rca

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46. 51. Did the structure o f the host institution's course schedule foster travelopportunity or prevent it? Why?

Yes, because I was able to set up my schedule Monday thru Wednesday.

I personally scheduled my classes so that I was able to travel from Thursday to Sunday, it can definitely be done!

The structure o f the course schedule helped foster travel because it was common for students to only have class 3-4 days a week.

foster it

The structure o f the course schedule helped foster travel because it was possible (and common) for students to only have class 3-4 days a week.

The course schedule was very flexible and I arranged it so I would only have classes 2 days a week - Tuesday (3 3hr classes) and Wednesday (2 3hr classes). Thisallowed me to travel a lo t and for long periods o f time.

fostered it because I had class monday-wednesday so I could travel thurs-sunday. It is easy to make yourself a good schedule if you get on it early

Fostered--in class time was limited. More focused on a few large assignments.

Totally fosters! Class Monday through Wednesday.

much travel opportunity! i only had class 2 days a week and had 5 days to travel

It fostered travel, I only had class 3 days a week so was able to travel any weekend. There were also times when classes were canceled randomly throughout thesemester.

Definitely fostered.

It helped immensely--I only had class 3 days a week!

Yes, definitely. I only had classes Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and had a chance to explore Barcelona on o ff-days, as well as o ther countries on weekends andspring break. Final exams ended in April, so I had all o f May to travel before returning home.

Yes. I was able to schedule my classes on Tuesday and Wednesday only.

Yes. I was able to arrange my classes so that I had Friday to Monday free to travel.

It fostered it fo r the most part because our work was dependent on when we completed it without being hindered by instructors.

We were able to schedule 3 days worth o f classes so I felt like there was plenty o f time.

Yes it fostered. Each course met only once a week and some courses began earlier and ended earlier, creating longer week-ends. There was also a Spring break (SemanaSanta) and a random week where courses did not meet.

i was able to get my classes all from Tuesday - Thursday so I could have longer weekends

yes because classes only meet once a week, so I only had class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Foster- could schedule 3-4 day weekends

It allowed for travel opportunity. Many o f the courses were only 4 weeks long so for most o f my time here I only had two days o f class per week. There are many intensivecourses o ffered, so you can get done with a whole class in one week. You can definitely make your schedule so that you have a short schoo l week with plenty o f time totravel. However, attendance is required for most classes, so you should not miss many classes. You will need to plan your travel around your days o ff (which are many)

Fostered, I don't think anyone had Friday classes

yeah its a good structure. you'll have class 4 days/week max. maybe 3 if youre lucky

Yes! You can schedule your courses for 2-3 days a week and get long weekends every week :)

Fosters it. I only had class 3 days a week. Nobody had class on fridays.

yes

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47. 52. Do you have any tips or information about traveling while abroad thatyou would like to share with upcoming exchange students preparing for their trip?

Be wary o f Ryan Air. It seems like a cheaper airline, but the airports are o ften further away and you end up paying a lo t fo r transportation to them. Don't be afraid to travel byyourself if you can't find anyone to go with you. You will meet a lo t o f people at hostels.

If traveling within Spain or to places close to where you are, use trains and buses. If you go too far there are night trains available (with which you save hotel money andtime). The train website is: www.renfe.es, and the bus website that I would recommend is: www.alsa.es. Night trains have different options (with different prices), fo r examplethere are somewhat comfortable beds available. Night buses are a bit uncomfortable.

Low cost airlines in Europe are o ften very, very inexpensive. However, usually the earlier you get the fares, the less expensive they will be, so I would recommend planningearly. I would also recommend travelling in the first two months o f the program and less later, because work increases as the semester progresses. Trains and buses arealso great ways to travel around Spain. The Eurail pass can also help you save a lo t o f money if you select the right pass and you plan to travel around Europe. However, Iwould not recommend it is you are only buying it fo r Spain. Trains in Spain are o ften cheaper than in o ther European countries, yet require higher ticket supplements thanother European countries. If you plan to buy a Eurail pass, buy it at STA travel or online before you leave because it is about 20% more expensive if you buy it in Europe atthe train stations.

I decided to buy a 1 month Eurail pass. You need to buy this one before you leave! It was really worth it. Its price differs based on how many countries you are visiting andthe lenght o f period o f its validation. This is benefitial if you are traveling from one city/country to o ther one by train. You will be required to pay a booking fee o f 2-6 eurosevery time you get a train ticket. Then, you enjoy the ride! Also consider cheap airlines like Ryanair o r Click air. If you book in advance you can find really good deals!!

Low cost airlines in Europe are o ften very, very inexpensive. However, usually the earlier you get the fares, the less expensive they will be, so I would recommend planningearly. I would also recommend travelling in the first two months o f the program and less later, because work increases as the semester progresses. Trains and buses arealso great ways to travel around Spain. The Eurail pass can also help you save a lo t o f money if you select the right pass and you plan to travel around Europe. However, Iwould not recommend it is you are only buying it fo r Spain. Trains in Spain are o ften cheaper than in o ther European countries, yet require higher ticket supplements thanother European countries. If you plan to buy a Eurail pass, buy it at STA travel or online before you leave because it is about 20% more expensive if you buy it in Europe atthe train stations.

Do some research on the host country, city, and institution. Come prepared and be ready to confront any beaurocratical o r logistical issues (there are a lo t o f these inSpain). Have fun and enjoy yourself!

use the travel sites given to you in the orientation for cheaper flights, travel with a carry-on, buy a bed cover (sleepingbag-like sheet to sleep in in hostels to avo id bedbugs), coordinate with friends also studying abroad, dont miss your flights- arrive at least 40 minutes before flight, take advantage o f public transportation and maps, havefun but don't travel too much- enjoy your host city!

Airfare is cheaper than trains. Momondo.com, Skyscanner.net-- if you have been to Europe, or to the surrounding countries, spend more time in your country o f study.

Travelling with o thers can be fun as well as travelling alone. I did most o f my trips with o thers, although I did a one week trip so lo in the South o f Spain so lo , with plans tomeet o thers in Seville. Being alone in Europe was fine, but don't go so lo to Morocco even though it is right across the water (think Catalina Island from LA), as being alonein Tangier, Marocco was NOT fun (you WILL stand out, and will be bombarded by people who want to be your tourguide and have you pay them). Other than that, be opento places and enjoy because within a 1 hour flight radius you can see SOOOO much. And while the big famous cities are worthy o f being famous,some of the best placesto see are the small towns near them. skyscanner.net is a good way to browse cheap flights. and you can find cheap flights from Girona Airport (about an hour and a halfoutside o f Barcelona). Trains are expensive. Also roadtrips are expensive, with costs or gas and MANY to lls. If you're thinking about go ing to Switzerland, it is also veryexpensive.

if you are in Spain, use Vueling Air. they are one o f the best low cost airlines

Bring a good backpack, you will be using it fo r all your traveling.

It's cheaper than you think to travel! Also , if your parents come to visit, do some of your traveling with them. I got a Eurail pass for my final trip through eastern europe andtraveling by train is super fun and I loved waking up in a new country so do that if you can. Plan ahead. And please don't be one o f those stupid Americans. We drink wayway way more than almost any country in Europe, so be conscious o f those around you. Other than that, enjoy Barcelona! The best part about traveling for me was alwayscoming back and thinking "thank God I'm back in Barca!" Enjoy your city!

RyanAir is cheap, but I always regretted the decision to save $20 when I hit massive turbulence. Just a thought. Otherwise, save some traveling for new people--don't juststick to the same travel buddies. Branch o ff from USC kids and meet some other exchange students or even...locals!

If you are on a budget, traveling is not pretty - get ready to wear the same clo thes for a couple o f days and walk until your shoes fall o ff. With Barcelona especially, do notoverestimate the amount o f time you have there. If you travel on weekends, you will undoubtedly miss out on festivals and events. If you plan on making friends with peopleoutside o f your USC program, you will miss out on chances to just simply hang out with them. Traveling to two countries a month is more than enough and you will leavewishing you had just LIVED in a city rather than using it as a rest stop. If you want to study abroad for the chance to travel, go to a small-town university that rains a lo t. If youwant to study abroad for the chance to explore a city and still discover new things about it the last week you're there, go to a city like Barcelona.

See above. Make note o f any special ho lidays, festivals, that you may want to plan your trips around. Ex: I went to Dublin fo r St. Patrick's Day and Amsterdam for Queen'sDay. An incredible opportunity! Do not book trips too early. For the budget traveler, you may want to plan around deals that are being o ffered through booking websites, i.e.edreams, vueling, ryanair, etc. You'll also want to be able to adjust your plans according to the interests o f your new friends! Ryanair is not worth it.

Have in mind where you want to visit before go ing and plan ahead because seasonal weather makes a difference in your travel plans.

Be prepared for the unexpected. Learn to just go with any obstacles that pop up because nothing will go as planned.

Don't travel too much. You have your whole life to travel but only a few chances to live in your host country.

Even though I traveled a lo t I still go t to spend a lo t o f time in Barcelona because o f my scheduling. I would not recommend traveling so much that you do not get toexperience the culture o f your own host country. Skyscanner was a great website to use to find cheap flights as well as Vueling. If you plan to travel fo r national ho lidays (i.e.Queens Day) book hostels/hotels as early as possible.

Don't leave every weekend; take the time to make Barcelona YOUR city, it makes a world o f difference for your abroad experience

Anywhere you travel will be fun as long as you are traveling with a good group o f people! Use hostelworld.com and skyscanner.net. Research things to do before youtravel in order to maximize your time. Use ATM's to exchange currencies.

-

Make sure you bring power adapters. The carry-on luggage size restrictions in Europe are different than in the U.S. and many airlines charge a lo t fo r you to check yourbags, so if you are buying new luggage for your trip make sure your bag meets the size requirements.

Decide where you want to go and where you want to spend more than just a weekend

get to know Barcelona first (i.e. spend at least 4 weekends in Barcelona) and then travel around Spain as much as possible. THEN travel around europe. you might not geta chance to live in a foreign country again--but you have your entire life to be a tourist.

Plan early! Book a few countries for the same trip fo r maximum exposure epecially fo r spring break and long ho lidays. BUT, don't fo rget that Barcelona is incredible,especially when it warms up in April/May so you definitely want to spend enough time there. You finish classes at the end o f April, I stayed an extra month andtravelled/enjoyed barcelona.

Travelling is definitely fun but there is so much to do in the city itself. There is something new you can do every weekend if you look for it.

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watch your belongings and take precautions

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48. 53. EXPENSES: How much spending money FOR THE ENTIRESEMESTER would you recommend that the next participants budget fo r thisprogram?

1 General (including food, entertainment, local transportation) 0 .00 6,550.00 2,487.93 1,881.85

2 Housing/rent 0 .00 3,000.00 2,120.69 907.56

3 General travel during semester 0 .00 6,000.00 2,310.34 1,491.49

4 Books & miscellaneous supplies 0.00 500.00 88.97 146.64

5 Other expenditures (please explain) 0 .00 500.00 57.76 126.62

Shopping/Souveniers

n/a

Shopping/Souveniers

Adaptors, printing, etc.

Shopping

Shopping & souvenirs

units are in Euros

metro

# Answer Min Value Max Value Average Value St andard Deviat io n

Ot her expendit ures (please explain)

49. 54. Did you experience any fo rm of crime, or were you in danger at anytime (such as the victim or witness o f assault, robbery, etc.)? If yes, pleaseexplain:

No

I felt much safer everywhere in Europe than in LA. There is a lo t o f pickpockets, which is why you have to be more careful with your belongings, but bigger crimes are notvery usual.

On average, I felt very safe in Barcelona and Spain. However, my cell phone was pick-pocketed in Madrid.

n/a

No

My Spanish phone was pickpocketed at Carnivale, many o f my friends were also pickpocketed

No

No, but I was bombarded with guys who wanted to be my tourguide when I arrived to Tangier, Morocco and would demand money before they would leave (even inlegitimate businesses like hotels and restaurants, you'll be approached if you open a map). I also witnessed a peaceful street in Geneva (o f all places) turn into anorgnanized march and abruptly into a rio t o f people breaking store windows with sledge hammers and lighting cars on fire, but I survived with no harm.

I was pickpocketed at a bar and my wallet was sto len

Yes, there were several instances o f crime in Barcelona. 3 out o f 6 o f our roommates either got pickpocketed, attempted pick pocketed or mugged.

Yeah my ipod got robbed out o f my purse at a club while I was dancing. And some creeper rubbed up against me on the metro in Paris.

Yes, Barcelona is probably the least safe city in terms o f pickpocketing. I never felt in danger o f bodily harm, but you have to have your wits about your money. Thievesusually don't have knives and NEVER guns...so much safer than LA if you think about it. My friend got mugged and I almost got robbed at an ATM. You just have to be streetsmart!

Yes, I go t mugged. Junie and I were walking back to our apartment early morning. We were on our street and a man came and pushed me on the floor, grabbed my clutchand ran away. I chased after him but couldn't catch him. We went to the po lice and they were not helpful, saying that they were not responsible for the area where I wasmugged. Tracy also had an incident when taking money out o f an ATM, when a lady tried to cover her money with a map and take it from her. Kristin also got her camerasto len at a club. Barcelona is known for pick pockets - be smart and be careful!

My roommate and I were the victim o f assault - it was minor but the assailant became aggressive when he wasn't able to take her bag without us noticing. No one was hurtbut law enforcement is useless.

None.

No

I was robbed in a Zara.

Someone tried to pickpocket me once but I go t my wallet back.

no

No, though I know of many who did get robbed. As long as you are aware o f your surroundings and watch your belongings it shouldn't be a problem.

No, I did not experience any form of crime. I know that many people experience pick pocketing in Barcelona, but as long as you are very aware o f your belongings on themetro or in public spaces, and as long as you are very careful when you are drinking, you will be fine.

No

LOTS of pickpockets; some a-ho le tried to take my entire backpack; no vio lent crime

No.

theft is really common. caught multiple people trying to steal from me

Wallet pickpocketed

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50. 55. Before departure from USC, or upon immediate arrival to your hostcountry, do you think you were adequately warned and/or prepared to deal withmost incidents mentioned in the Health and Safety section o f this evaluation?

Yes

Yes

Yes.

Yes

Yes

yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes/no

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes.

Yes

for the most part, yes.

Yes

Yes

Yes

yes

Yes.

yes

yes

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51. 56. If you did not feel adequately prepared (response to question #55),what do you think you needed to know or hear in advance? How could you havebeen better informed and/or prepared?

N/A

N/A

n/a

n/a

N/A

N/A

Yes

N/A

It's easy to think that mugging and pick pocketing won't happen to yourself personally, but you can just have an unlucky day one day and be at the wrong place at the wrongtime. Nothing will really prepare you for when it actually happens to you - just be on your guard as much as possible.

N/A

N/A

Yes.

n/a

N/A

N/A

Just to always watch your things, keep your hands in your pockets in crowded places

N/A

N/A

n/a

n/a

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52. 57. Were you knowledgeable about your USC overseas insurancecoverage po licy?

Yes

Yes, but luckily did not use it.

Yes.

yes

Yes

yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Fairly, my roommates all had to use it and after the initial use it was easy to work.

Yes.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes.

Somewhat

yes

Yes

Yes. It was great coverage. I had to use it a few times and the providers were extremely friendly and helpful. It made being sick way less stressful.

Fortunately didn't have to use it

yes

Yes.

yes

yes

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53. 58. Did you experience any negative treatment that you feel was related toyour ethnicity, race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or religion? If yes,please explain:

No

Not at all. People are very warm and open in Spain.

No.

No

No

no

No

No

No

No

No, nothing too bad. I go t a lo t o f "guapa"s like any o ther girl but it's not o ffensive, just creepy.

Yes, Europe is nowhere near as diverse as the States. As an Asian, I would sometimes receive positive attention (genuine curiosity by locals about my origins) or negativeattention (shouts o f "KONICHIWA" or "NI HAO" on the street). You learn to brush it o ff and not take it personally. You stick out, but in a city o f tourists, you're never alone.

Yes, in London a drunkard to ld me to make him some chow mein... Not in Barcelona though.

Lots o f leering, catcalling, and being aggressively pursued by men!

No

No

No.

Never

no

No, though girls should be warned that guys in Spain are way more forward than in the U.S.

No

No

people dont generally like americans; you'll get ripped o ff a lo t because you're american

No.

no

n/a

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54. 59. What was the best part o f the program?

Having the opportunity to travel.

Everything! The classes were really interesting, I learned a lo t. Being able to immerse myself in this amazing culture, food was great, meeting people from all over theworld, travel around Spain and Europe.

The best part was being able to meet, work and travel with people from all around the world (especially the ESADE students who were mostly all very welcoming andhelpful).

Being able to travel and meet students from diferent parts o f the world.

The ability to live in Barcelona -- one o f the best cities in Europe (in my opinion)!

Everything! Go out and experience the culture, don't ho ld back, walk around and explore everything, take advantage o f every moment!

Waking up with the sun, inviting friends from all over the world over fo r a mid-day BBQ on my balcony, BBQ steaks and fresh fish from the Boqueria (street market), whilewatching Barcelona soccer games. The best part o f the program was being able to do whatever you want, however you want, to make your semester the most valuablepersonal growth experience possible. Meeting new people, trying new things, and establishing your life in a city entirely on your own.

Living in Barcelona!

Getting to meet students from all over the US, Canada, and Europe. making friendships by traveling together and spending a lo t o f time with one another

Experiences Europe to its fullest!

Probably the fact that it wasn't really a program. I personally liked it because it was a great learning experience and I enjoyed being able to plan all my trips and take themwith people o f my choosing.

Different fo r everyone. The city is definitely amazing for young people -- it's gothic, hip, and has a great underground scene for art and music. And if you make the effort toget to know other exchange/local students, it's a great place to explore with them. Also a great launching po int fo r exploring the rest o f Europe!

The short schoo l schedule every week and the early final exams gave us a lo t o f time to explore and meet new people.

FRIENDS, traveling, partying, nightlife, meeting people from all over the world, and being challenged each and every day.

Meeting and traveling with people from all over the world.

The experience to meet so many people from different cultures and compare the differences.

Living with people I found online and not living with exchange students. I felt that I learned a lo t more through that and also got a chance to improve my Spanish.

Meeting students not only from Spain but from all over the world

Traveling.

Everything! Meeting awesome people from around the world, exploring a new city, the beach, the nightlife, day trips around the city, having the time and freedom to go onadventures and do things you would never have planned for, and the ability to travel throughout Europe so easily.

The city, the schoo l, the people, everything! This program was abso lutely awesome and I enjoyed all o f it.

Growing as a person, trying new things, exploring a new place

everything

Being able to socialize with the ESADE students that I was already friends with at USC. Also traveling all over Europe!

Meeting the people.

the city o f Barcelona and the o ther students I met

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55. 60. What was the most difficult part?

Finding housing

The first days: looking for housing, learning the metro (subway) system. The unfamiliar could be very intimidating and challenging, but with optimism, everything is easier.

The most challenging part was looking for housing in Barcelona.

Finding housing.

Dealing with the new Sant Cugat campus -- disorganized, not completely ready by the time classes had started.

Leaving

Getting to schoo l (far from city center)

Actually working out finding a place to live, although I'm glad I waited until I go t there to check out my options.

Time difference and food in Spain (pork pork pork)

Money managing.

Housing.

The city is international enough that you can speak English for your whole stay, but that makes immersion tough. You need to make a strong effort to break out o f theinternational bubble and meet locals...the local people, Catalans, o ften don't speak much English and don't care to .

The commute - ESADE is located in Sant Cugat, a cute little town with lo ts o f o ld people, is an hour away from Barcelona by train, which meant we had to leave for schoo l ataround 8 every morning.

Finding housing, making it to schoo l an hour away by 8 am, having strenuous travel itineraries, and getting sick o ften coupled with the inconvenience o f having to rely onSOS

Spain's inefficiency

Finding housing at the beginning.

Leaving Barcelona.

Trying to figure out everything on your own (housing, transportation, banking, meeting people) - ESADE didn't help you with any o f it

finding housing.

Anyone go ing abroad should be prepared to be fully independent - which can be difficult but should be embraced and taken advantage o f.

Wanting to do more than you have the time or money for. You have to just accept that you can only do so much and just enjoy every minute o f it

Landing without a place to live was difficult but a learning experience

sitting through awful classes

Language Barrier at first because I hadn't used Spanish in years.

Finding housing.

finding housing

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56. 61. Describe a situation that you experienced as a result o f culture shockor cultural misunderstanding. How did you reso lve it?

N/A

Catalan pride is no joke. When forming groups in a class, my (USC) classmate said "this is good, we are two international students and five Spaniards..." they replied"Catalans". They made it very clear that they were Catalans (not Spaniards). We both apo logized for our ignorance, and explained to them that we did not know that somepeople got o ffended for being called 'Spaniard' instead o f 'Catalan'.

One thing that I wasn’t used to in Spain was that smoking was much more common in public and private areas. Some of the o ther exchange students and I wereuncomfortable when o ther people smoked indoors such as at restaurants. However, since it is much more acceptable in their culture, we o ften would just deal with it o r goto restaurants that banned smoking. A few times we were eating with Spanish or o ther European students who smoked, but they would usually ask if it was ok to smokebefore they started. While I did not want to o ffend them, I soon found that it was acceptable to say that I would prefer if they did not smoke at the table and it usually wouldnot come up again at future meals with them.

You will find out that Barcelona has a po litical conflict in Spain. Some people don't like being called Spanish, but "catalan". This was brought to my attention in one o f mygroup-pro ject teams. From there on, (If the situation required it) I played it safe by not calling them Spanish unless I knew they didn't have a problem with it. No worries...they are to lerant because they know we are foreigners. Some other local students are fine with either denomination.

Culture shock for me was finding out that if a Spanish person tells you to meet them at 8pm, they will come 8:30pm at the earliest (if you are lucky). I learned to accept thisnational trait and made sure I arranged my plans accordingly.

sometimes spaniards are o ffended if you don't kiss them on both cheeks when you meet them or say hi to them. I just had to explain that I wasn't used to it and then ilearned to do that next time. they also stand very close when talking to you which is uncomfortable at first and then you get used to it.

N/A

Nothing major. I liked elements o f their culture, and I was really content with being emersed in their culture. Most misunderstanding came from me making poor translationswhen I spoke in Spanish (which could be awkward if I what the actual meaning o f a word I said wasn't what I thought I was saying), but I was always open to asking how tosay things, and this helped me learn.

none can come to mind

When we were trying to find housing, our broker would constantly lag with returning phone calls and meeting with us. He had no sense o f urgency and we did. We had tolearn to deal with the Spanish way o f do ing business and wait fo r him to cooperate. We ended up getting a great deal with him, it just probably took longer than it wouldhave in the US.

I ordered a hamburger and it actually had ham in it. Other than that, I was prepared for the fact that people would be speaking Catalan as well as Spanish and knew a lo t o fthe history o f Catalonia and what to expect. So I would say that I didn't have too much culture shock.

This happened a lo t when I met Europeans. They would ask where I'm from, and I would respond with the United States. Then they would say, "No, where are you FROM?"as if I hadn't heard the question properly. What they meant was, where are my parents from (because I'm Asian, and obviously can't be "FROM" the US). At first it wouldoffend me, but I learned that in Europe the country o f your nationality is also the country o f your race. If you are from Spain, you are ethnically Spanish. So I would make thedistinction for them :)

We are still dealing with it now. Our landlord is probably one o f the slowest people in the world to get back to us with ANYTHING. We complained about the shower beingclogged the first week we were there and we were STILL waiting for her to get back to us in April, even though we reminded her constantly. We're trying to get back oursecurity deposits still and they have only given back half o f a deposit to one o f us. The Catalans are very slow in response time - everyone takes their time (dinners areusually 2 - 3 hours long) and everyone is always on "Barcelona time". The only way to not get frustrated by this is to just fo llow suit and fall into a slower, more relaxedlifestyle.

Adjusting to the more conservative dress code in Europe - if you're not careful, you'll be o ffensive to o thers and they in turn will be openly o ffensive in the way they treatyou. Females beware!

Catalans are extremely nationalistic in Barcelona, and it can be easy to o ffend them if you speak in Castillan, which is the most common form of Spanish learned outside o fBarcelona.

N/A

Timeliness--people are always late so I would give an extra ten minutes.

Working with my team showed me several cultural difference in group work between Spain and the US. I tried to adjust as much as possible and they were also interestedin learning the differences.

Everything is closed between 2-4pm for a "siesta" and it is really inconvenient sometimes and you just have to plan accordingly.

Several instances in stores when they do not speak English and are not too happy about your lack o f Spanish skills. Just be patient, and try not to get o ffended or upset.Not much else you can do. Also, customer service is not the same. Lunch and dinner is a much longer process, and waiters do not come by your table o ften unless youask them to . You have to be willing to spend more time and accept/embrace that these things take longer here.

Nothing memorable...

Getting hungry at 5 pm on a Sunday, realizing that all the markets were closed and most restaurants didn't open until 8 at the very earliest

....cant think o f one o f the top o f my head but i probably just nodded, said "si, gracias" and moved on.

We almost lost our apartment in the first week because we had neighbors complain that we were being no isy. We had to sit down with the landlord and explain the culturaldifference in America about having people over late at night to "pre game." In spain you do this at bars and not really in apartment buildings. After we apo logized to theneighbors everything was great.

Everything being closed on during the siesta period in the afternoon. Had a hard time buying a phone the first week especially because I had class in the mornings whenthe stores were open..

n/a

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57. 62. Describe something that you are proud o f having accomplished duringyour stay.

Living, studying, cooking, and traveling abroad.

This experience helped me become more responsible and independent. In many situations I was able to so lve problems by myself (that I would have so lved with o therpeople). I had to make many decisions on my own and go through with them, accepting their consequences. In general I am proud o f having grown.

I am proud that I visited many apartments on my own and through the housing search process, significantly improved my Spanish abilities. I am also proud that I travelledon my own through six European countries on my own during winter break.

I definitely became more independent and secure o f myself.

I go t a good taste o f the Spanish culture, language, and traditions by interactiong with the locals. I also met a lo t o f interesting international students that helped betterunderstand o ther cultures as well.

when speaking in spanish, my accent became much less american and the locals spoke back to me in spanish

Making a great group o f international friends. I skydived.

I'm really proud to have made a very smooth comfortable transition to life in a place where English is not the primary language and able to be part o f a community in adifferent country.

Renting vespas for 4 months with my roommates. getting to travel all over the city on the scooters was amazing.

I found a summer internship even while I was abroad.

I gave a presentation in Spanish about two minutes after walking into class and not knowing that my group members would make me present.

I was close enough to locals to get a home-cooked meal twice with a local family. It was as close to a homestay as I got, and was a great way to get a reality check on howlocals actually live. Plus, it felt like home :)

Traveling to two cities by myself with only a backpack - Marrakesh and Naples. Very liberating and I met so many coo l, hippie backpackers that I almost ran away with them.

I am proud o f having conquered the public transportation in every city I traveled to . It is no small feat getting where you need to under timelines (i.e. making it to your flight ontime!) in countries where you don't speak the language. Also, I love that I traveled alone for one o f my trips. I STRONGLY urge everyone to do this. It was not my first trip butit made me realize that it may as well have been, as it brings out so many o ther challenges. You learn so much about being independent, more than you would when eventraveling with just one o ther person.

Getting housing on our own was pretty impressive

I think I became more self-sufficient and I improved my Spanish exponentially.

Learning how to live with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Having dinner at a Spanish students home and speaking the entire time in Spanish

I am really glad that I was able to go to Dacau- a concentration camp just outside o f Munich.

Building a new life fo r myself in a country I had never been to and not knowing the language.

Getting to Barcelona without knowing where I was go ing to live and finding an apartment on our own, and getting set up with cell phones, banks, etc. It makes you feel likeyou can go anywhere and do anything and you know you will be fine.

Eating new foods like seafood

made an effort to always be outside my comfort zone and met kids from all over the world. will probably visit some of my closest friends who live in Brazil, Argentina,Dominican, and elsewhere.

Making spanish friends

Finding housing even with the language barrier.

made friends from all over the world

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58. 63. What do you wish you had known about before leaving?

I was well prepared. I recommend meeting and talking with someone that went to your country o f study.

That travel guides actually help (rick steeves or lonely planet are great)

I wish I had known that it would likely be more fun and convenient to live with o ther exchange students while abroad. I also wish I had known more about the specificclasses available in the fall semester at ESADE.

I wished I knew where I was go ing to stay.

Nothing, I think that I was well prepared.

you will have to make an effort to speak spanish if you want to learn. most people are willing to help you along but it is easy to just speak english to them- dont do this!make yourself practice and most spaniards are flattered that you make an effort with them

Nothing, I felt prepared.

The Euro-$ conversion rate makes things expensive.

i should have gone earlier and stayed longer. spain isn't warm in nov/dec!

How time consuming it is to try and find an internship while you are abroad.

I wish I had known that everyone has hard times on their study abroad semester and facebook photos o f people having fun all the time don't tell the whole story. Everyonetells you about the great parts o f study abroad- and they're all true and the experience is once-in-a-lifetime. But no one talks about the times when it's lonely and all you dois look at pictures o f your friends at USC carrying on with their lives. I think if someone had prepared me for that part, I would have expected less o f the friendships I fo rmedhere and realized that EVERYONE else goes through the same thing. That being said, it really will be the best semester o f your life, and you'll make more good memoriesthan you'll be able to remember, but you will also have days when you'll cry (at least I did).

The language. If you want to feel more connected to your city, TAKE SOME SPANISH. At least take the crash course to freshen up or get the basics. I might even have goneso far as to live with o ther Spaniards just to fo rce myself to practice. It reminds you o f how unique and precious your study abroad experience is everyday.

Even if you budget, you will spend money like crazy and wonder where it all went. When budgeting, give yourself more cushion.

Europe is COLD. Don't think you are too good to bring gloves and a scarf. Invest in sturdy and comfortable but stylish (o f course) walking shoes/boots.

I have more than adequately informed, but i wish I did more research on the locations I traveled to .

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I wish I would have been more confident in my Spanish speaking abilities.

The more time you have to settle in before classes start, the better.

That the actual campus where our classes are at ESADE is a one hour commute and not in Barcelona.

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Talk with people who have gone about the best cell phone plans to get (make sure your phone is unlocked). Talk with people about what are the best areas to live in.

Not much

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There is go ing to be a lo t o f pressure to fo llow the "American" scene because there are literally 1000 americans on the bigger programs like CEA and IES. Don't feel thepressure to do what everyone else is do ing every week, and be independent at times.

Nothing. Learn as you go.

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59. 64. Do you have any travel tips to share?

Plan well in advance for cheaper tickets.

Don't carry much cash with you, and if you put it in your bag, lock it. Schedule your classes at the beginning o f the week and leave the weekends (and some weekdays ifpossible) to travel. If you plan to stay longer, travel around Spain while you are there, and through Europe once you're done. Try to carry as little luggage as possible, it canbe a real hassle to drag your bags around!

Please refer to my previous answer about the low cost flights and Eurail passes.

If you are traveling by plane, always book in advance. (Ryanair and click air have good deals).

Try to avo id Ryan Air, if you can. It's cheap, but most o f the time it is not worth the hassle since there are so many better airlines.

guard your belongings well, buy a 3-month metro pass because it saves money. it is expensive so if you think you will lose it just buy one month at a time. meet up withothers studying abroad and visit them in their host cities because they will be able to show you around. make friends with people from barcelona because they will take youto the best spots

Momondo.com, skyscanner.net.

I mentioned them in past questions, but contact me if you have specific questions.

go as many places as possible and fly out o f BCN and not Girona

Find a summer internship before you leave!!

Yes, you can get very cheap fares on RyanAir, but make sure you add in the additional costs! RyanAir flies out o f Girona (which is an hour away by bus) and into a lo t o fairports that are similarly very far from their destination. Add up the costs o f the busses/metro /time/effort on both sides before buying your flight! It might be worth it to pay30 euro more to leave from Barcelona (on vueling for example).

Explore Spain! Yes, I know I sound like a Spain travel agency, but I actually fell in love with the country. The best thing is that it's like 5 countries in one: there's Pais Vasco,Galicia & Leon in the North, with Catalonia and Costa Brava on the East, Andalucia in the South, and o f course central Madrid and To ledo. Each o f these regions has theirown customs, language variations, and FOOD. See it all while you're living in Spain--you know you'll go back to Europe for London and Paris, but you'll probably neversee Asturias or Cordoba if you come back for a general Eurotrip.

Again, you have less time than you think to travel. Two trips per month is enough if you want to get to know the city you live in. Barcelona is the city that everyone comes tovisit - why would you visit o ther places when you're there? When you are traveling to o ther countries through budget airlines like Vueling and especially RyanAir, make surethat you fo llow their guidelines. They will kill you with all o f their penalty fees.

You will learn to use a backpack or o ther small bag for small trips, so bring one. Those budget airlines have smaller standards for what constitutes as a free carry-on.Check any website fo r dimensions. Don't bring too many clo thes, but bring enough evening wear. You will need it in Western Europe.

Again, definitely research the locations you're go ing to (i.e. historical significance) so your experience is better and more comprehensive instead o f just seeing a building,etc.

Make sure you have enough time to get back to class because strikes happen all the time.

Visit only a few cities and actually live in your host country.

Travel light, expect delays and missed flights because they will happen

meet up with friends who are studying in o ther cities in Europe- so fun!

Leave yourself time to be spontaneous and try not to plan so much in advance. That was probably the one thing I would do a little differently. Definitely travel, it is a ton o ffun and interesting, but also leave time in your own city as well.

Don't over pack. For RyanAir, make sure you print your boarding pass before (60 euro fine if you don't...). You can definitely find good flight deals, especially fromBarcelona because it has so many budget airlines, so do your research!

Save the warm travel places for later in the semester, wait to travel

don't over travel! wayyyy to easy to book trips every weekend not realizing that you will be abso lutely wiped out and exhausted. i wish i had traveled to less places and justspent more time/more money in a few select places. if you spread yourself too thin traveling everywhere you'll end up skipping meals and such to save money which justends up sucking

VUELING.COM This is the best spanish low-cost airline. I didn't log my po ints but make an account early and you will accumulate enough for free flights. That's a big regretI had because I would have had a free round trip flight if I had logged my po ints in the system.

Even if you don't know the language much, don't be afraid to use your limited knowledge and make mistakes.

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60. 65. What would you like to say to the students go ing after you?

Meet as many people as you can. Try new things. Travel as much as possible, but still get to know the place you are studying in. Have fun!

This is go ing to be the BEST experience you'll have! Go with an open mind and willing to learn as much as possible! If you get sad, call your family immediately or go out todo some sightseeing! (There is always something you haven't seen) Enjoy enjoy enjoy enjoy!

The exchange program really is an amazing adventure. Take the time to get to know the o ther students, to explore Barcelona, and to enjoy every moment, because it will beover before you know it!

Don't hesitate to contact me if you need any advise/help. I can recommend some contacts to look for housing (in case you need it).

Good luck and enjoy yourself in this beautiful city! I wish I could do this all over again... ;)

take advantage o f every moment, make the most o f your experience, dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. I wish that I could go back, it truly is an amazingexperience that you may never have the opportunity to have again

A LOT - Contact me - [email protected]

I've done alo t o f diverse activities at USC, and this has been the most valuable. Life didn't seem real (it seemed too amazing), and what was awesome was that it wasindeed real. Make time to enjoy the city in which you live, and take advantage o f the opportunities you see because you may not be able to live for a long period abroadagain.

Have an open mind and don't judge anything or anyone you meet! Take lo ts o f pictures.

This is go ing to be the best experience o f your life thus far. Live it up every single day because the time slips by way too fast. Have fun!

Get excited!!! Spain is the most incredible country and be soooo grateful that you get a chance to know it. Take the time to learn why Spaniards are the way they are and totravel in Spain, but also take the time to stay exactly where you are! Observe. Let yourself take on the Spanish mentality and just trust that what you should do will be put inyour path. Discover the beauty o f the blackout shades which are in literally every apartment and don't feel guilty to sleep until 2, 3, o r even 5 pm. After all, you probably gothome from the club at 6 or 7. Take siestas! Take the time to talk to people in cafes, stores, on the street- fo r which you'll need to learn Spanish. Seriously, learningpassable Spanish is so rewarding and when you come back from a trip and walk through your city, and you can actually understand the people around you and haveconfidence that you can strike up a conversation with any o f them, you'll feel at HOME. Just be open to changing the way you think and trying new things and foods. Youseriously have so many new and incredible things to discover, like tapas, FC Barcelona fútbo l, breakfast as the sun rises after the club, bbqing with people from all over theworld who speak all different languages at the same time, the beach, the parks, the architecture, the music... Just be open to it all... and wow I'm getting really jealous :)

Barcelona is an amazing city that seems to draw every o ther study abroad student to your apartment. Seriously, I saw more o f my friends studying in Europe in Barcelonathan anywhere else. Everyone wants to come visit, and everyone wants to spend more time here. That speaks vo lumes about the cho ice you made!

NEVER miss an opportunity to go out. We didn't have internet fo r the first few weeks that we were there and, without Facebook/Skype/Gmail, there is so much more time todo everything you want. Don't try so hard to keep in touch with people when you're out there - you're only gone for a semester and they can deal with not talking to you asmuch.

Everyone is so quick to tell you to never sleep and always go out, etc. Experience it the way you WANT to experience it at the pace that is healthy and manageable for you.Don't go out every night if you're go ing to get sick, have to go to the hospital via foot, then metro , then foot, sit on the phone with SOS, etc. It's not worth it! Embrace everyday, but don't fo rce it. Your experience will be amazing no matter what, so relax and just go with the flow. Enjoy!

Do something cultural everyday, even in Barcelona. There are so many places you could see and restaurants to go to or just little nooks in the city. And if you get a chance,room with locals.

Embrace the ups and the downs from this experience and learn from them. This experience is as great as you allow it to be. If you come into every situation negatively, thenyou will have a negative experience.

Get ready for the time o f your life. Be open. Do everything you have always wanted to do but never had time to do.

I am so jealous that you get to go now, I miss it so much.

Enjoy it all because it goes by so fast! Be ready to spend a lo t o f money but every euro is worth it!

GO ABROAD! Whatever you do, go abroad. It will be the best and most memorable four months o f your life, and you will have the opportunity to do things you didn't evenknow existed, meet and make great friends from around the world, and travel all over. Forget hesitations and concerns, and go ing alone or to a city you didn't want. You willlook back and wonder how you questioned your decision. Every experience is awesome and worth taking, just do it.

This was the best experience I could possibly have had. You will have the time o f your life. Make sure to be in the moment and just enjoy everything that you are do ing.

It may seem intimidating but definitely study abroad. It's a great experience

you'll kill it in Barcelona.

Have fun, try new things, visit countries that o ther people aren't go ing to , travel alone at least once, don't be afraid o f hostels, book your classes for 2/3 days a week, makespanish friends, have an unreal time.

Take advantage o f every moment and opportunity. One semester will go by way too quickly so try to make the most o f it by experiencing the city and immersing yourself inthe culture. If you do travel, go with the new people you meet there. Try not to travel during the Spanish/Catalan ho lidays (especially La Merce, fo r people go ing in fall). It'sreally what you put into it that will make your experience there worth it. May be scary at first but have no regrets.

Take advantage o f every opportunity

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61. 66. Any final thoughts...

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

The best semester o f my life has just ended, and yours is barely starting, Good luck!

Have a great time in Barcelona!

This probably will be the most amazing semester o f your educational experience. Live every moment o f it in a responsible manner! It can be a good time to reflect and findout more about yourself!

I am extremely thankful fo r this study abroad opportunity that has taught me so much about myself and o thers.

Be safe and have fun!

This was the best experience o f my life. I appreciate the opportunity and I feel that I am a better person as a result o f my journey - I am better prepared for the next stage o fmy life.

Feel free to contact me with questions, as I love to talk about my experience, especially if you have questions on housing, transportation, food, and places to visit inBarcelona and in Europe. Bon viatge!

I loved studying abroad and would do it again in a heartbeat. By far the best decision I made while at USC. Barcelona is a city that has opened my mind and heart to o thercultures and people.

I love IEP!

Good luck! You might be scared go ing into this semester, but afterward you will be able to say with confidence that you're an adult who can travel anywhere in the world andhandle any situation. For example, it took me 42 hours to get back from Croatia by train, bus, and airplane, but it didn't set o ff the panic alarms it would have just 4 monthsago. I know that mistakes happen, trees fall across train tracks, vo lcanoes ground flights fo r weeks, but I'll figure out how to get home eventually. Other than that.........Disfruta! Enjoy!

I came to BCN trying to be more independent and travel. I left accomplishing both, but I also made lifelong friends and became an international thinker--no city seems too"foreign" or "far" to live in. Don't anticipate what you'll learn, but be open to making best friends fo life and be open to falling in love with Europe :)

ESADE/Barcelona has everything you could ever want in a study abroad program - amazing world-class pro fessors, great opportunities to meet people from all aroundthe world, classes taught with an international perspective, all in a city that's centrally located in Europe that is young and hip with amazing people, food, nightlife, fashion,sports, art, architecture, and weather. There are a million reasons it is the most popular program to apply fo r and my study abroad semester exceeded any expectations Ihad. :)

Get ready to gain a new/even more intense appreciation for house/techno. I'm obsessed. Also, 1 euro bottles o f wine are pretty nice.

Studying abroad in Barcelona was one o f the best decisions I've ever made. And now looking back, taking a non-business class (Spain: Recent History and Spanish Artand Culture) provided the foundation o f understanding the Catalan culture that I o therwise would have missed out on. Definitely take it.

Treat everyone with respect and you will be treated the same way from peers as well as locals.

Time goes by really fast so try to write about your experiences so you don't fo rget.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BARCELONA AND IEP IN GENERAL. BEST DECISION EVER.

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I am so jealous o f the amazing adventure you have ahead o f you! Feel free to reach out with any questions, concerns etc

Go to Barcelona!!!! Definitely the BEST program and city!!!

Make sure to meet locals and new people, don't just travel with usc students

all in all, even with disappo inting classes and not enough time to learn the language/cultural interaction, hands-down best decision i ever made was to go abroad.

Feel free to reach out to me for advice: [email protected]

Best semester yet.

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