Languages - Reviews of Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) | Spain

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Matthijs M

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, United States
Political Science, Graduate, Graduate Study

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

One needs to make an effort in order to connect with locals ad thereby improve one's language. It is tempting to hang out a lot with other English speakers but i managed to find a good mix

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anne g

Institut Supérieur d'Interprétation et de Traduction, Paris, France
Translation-Philology, Graduate, University Agreement

Languages

Language of instruction: Spanish

Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish

How much did you improve your Spanish?

My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: At ease in most situations

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

I stayed in Barcelone for 3 months only. I was then to go on another exchange programme in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 3 months, I made progress significantly but not enough to appear as a true local. Hanging out with locals definitely helps to improve everyday language and slang!!!

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virginie_bertiau

Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'administration eco, Paris, France
Economics, Graduate, University Agreement

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: At ease in most situations

How much did you improve your Spanish?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

international program so classes in english, good because in Barcelona all courses are not in spanish but a lot in catalan... which is not easy to cope with.

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Jessica L

George Washington University, Washington DC, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Languages

Language of instruction: Spanish

Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish

How much did you improve your Spanish?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

The language barrier is difficult at times, but overall, people are willing to help you if you are having difficulties. My ability to speak the language has improved greatly and my listening comprehension has improved immensely.

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