Trip of a Lifetime Past Review
By Brayton D (English, Political Science, Drake University) - abroad from 01/05/2014 to 04/25/2014 with
AIFS: Barcelona - Universitat Autònoma Barcelona
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, a new culture, a new language; so much I can't even begin to describe it all. I think studying abroad is worth it on every level and I wish I could make it available student.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were easy, without being entirely useless. But they weren't so difficult and time consuming that I couldn't do anything else. It was the perfect balance. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I didn't spend much money on food and home related expenses, but I spent about $1000 a month on traveling expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I worked a lot before I left and saved it all up. While abroad, buying groceries and not eating out too much is also a great way to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Drake level 150 Spanish course |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Stay away from people who speak English. The best way to get better is to force yourself to use the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how many students stay after the program to do some more traveling. I would have liked to do this but had already booked my flight home for the ending of the program. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
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