study abroad programs actually worth considering (real reviews)

I’m back from my semester abroad in Barcelona and I want to give actual honest reviews of programs because most marketing materials are useless. I’ve also compiled feedback from friends who studied in different places. This is purely from a ‘is this worth your money and time’ perspective.

TOP TIER (Actually Worth It):

ERASMUS+ (Europe) – If you’re European or studying in Europe this is the obvious choice. Your credits transfer, it’s affordable, and the infrastructure is incredible. Con: very popular so competitive. Pro: networking with other Europeans is amazing for your future.

CEAS (University of Chicago) – I know a lot of students in this program across different countries. Incredibly well-organized, good university partnerships, reasonable cost. The fact that you get your own advisor is huge. Con: can feel a bit ‘American bubble’ if you’re not careful to engage locally.

DIS (Florence/Rome) – Specifically for liberal arts/humanities. Amazing art history professors, incredible location for learning history. Con: costs are high and you’re very much in a study abroad bubble.

STEMJOR Abroad Programs – If you’re in STEM and worried about credit transfer, these are specifically designed for that. Well-structured, good partner universities, credits transfer cleanly.

GOOD BUT WITH CAVEATS:

SAI (Study Abroad Italy) – Good programs but quality varies wildly by location. Venice campus excellent, some other locations less so. Do your research on SPECIFIC campus before choosing.

Direct Enrollment – If your university has direct partnerships with universities abroad, this can be excellent. You study like a local student, not in a study abroad program. Con: you have to handle your own logistics, less hand-holding.

BOTA’s at your University – Many universities run their own programs. Quality entirely depends on which professor leads it. Ask previous students.

SKIP THESE:

Generic “semester abroad” programs that bundle you with 500 other Americans – you’ll spend the semester exclusively with other Americans, defeating the purpose.

Programs that charge you full tuition PLUS program fees – that’s greedy.

Anything where credits DON’T transfer – verify with your home institution before applying.

MY SPECIFIC BARCELONA EXPERIENCE:

I did a semester at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona through CEEUS and honestly life-changing. Pros: lived with Spanish roommates (forced me to improve Spanish), studied with local students (learned how they study), incredibly cheap cost of living, made friends from 20 different countries, got to travel Europe easily on weekends.

Cons: First month was really hard culturally – I felt alienated. The degree requirements were different so I had to fight to get credits recognized (worth the fight though). Homesickness was real even though I love travel.

WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS:

1. Where you live (dorm with locals > student housing with Americans)
2. Whether your credits transfer – verify BEFORE you go
3. Cost of living in the country/city (Barcelona was cheap, London would be expensive)
4. Whether you’re okay being uncomfortable for a month before it gets good
5. Language requirements – be honest about your comfort level
6. What you want to gain (resume line vs. actual growth vs. adventure)

HONEST ADVICE:

Study abroad is amazing but it’s not a vacation. You’ll be lonely sometimes, you’ll miss home, bureaucracy will frustrate you, and the credits might be difficult to transfer. BUT if you go with the mindset of ‘I’m going to live in this place’ instead of ‘I’m visiting’ it changes everything.

Ask yourself: Am I doing this for the Instagram photos or because I actually want to grow? The answer matters.

Happy to answer specific questions about Barcelona or general study abroad strategy.