I wish I would have been more immersed in the culture Past Review
By Gabe D (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/08/2012 to 05/30/2012 with
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
It was very worthwhile. I tried to get out and meet people and speak the language and I did. I learned how to travel and live on a budget. I gained a great appreciation for the life I live in America, as well as the life I lived abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
I basically had no running water. My host mother was very quiet, had no family near by, and I had no roommate. I wouldn't recommend that accommodation to anyone. I made no close connections with any Spaniards whilst abroad. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Granadinos aren't particularly friendly or outgoing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got Tonsillitis and they did a great, fast job taking care of me. Others felt like they were too fast in diagnosing though. |
| * Safety: |
I thought it was quite unfair that I lived by myself in less safe part of time (which wasn't made aware to the administrator) so I had to be the unlucky one that had to take a taxi home. I had to pay extra than everyone else to be just as safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Except for the strikes and unforseen taxi fares, it was really easy |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at home and don't go out before 11pm. Bars cost. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 4 of 6 |
| 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? | Practice before you arrive. |
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? | 0 |
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? | That I wouldn't actually have a host "family" Granadinos aren't very including THAT I WOULD BE GOING TO SCHOOL WITH ALL AMERICANS |
