Studying abroad is the most worthwhile experience one could ever have! Past Review
By Andrea D (Hospitality Management, Marywood University) - abroad from 01/05/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
It was the most worthwhile experience I have ever had. I am already looking into going abroad again this coming year.
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. |
My experience studying abroad opened me up to a new way of learning. The classroom sizes were smaller and my teachers were available for any questions I may have had prior to and after classes. I found a new love for Art History thanks to a wonderful teacher, as well as a better understanding of the Spanish language and culture due to my intensive language teachers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The onsite administrative were more than helpful when I needed information or had a question. They used emails and even Facebook to connect my group. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in a residence with other American students, as well as Spanish natives and a few from Jordan as well. We ate our meals together and learned a lot from each other during our 5 months living together. Our house mother, Rosa, was the rock of the house. She was like a motherly figure abroad. |
| * Food: |
Spain's food is exceptionally different from that in the United States. I am vegetarian and was still overly satisfied with the food. One of the best parts studying abroad is trying the different cultured dishes! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt as though I was one of the locals. Granada became home to me. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health care was issued in a very serious manner, our AIFS administrators held a meeting in the beginning and made it clear that if we ever needed anything, they were just a phone call away. |
| * Safety: |
The town I lived in, Granada, felt even more safe than where I live in the United States. However, if I were to ever feel unsafe, I knew exactly where to locate authority, and also call the emergency number that AIFS had given to me. |
| 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) |
2.5 |
| * 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? | 15.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is worth it to work as much as you can and save as much as you can beforehand! After all, you will not be working abroad, so the extra cash does come in handy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | I took 2 classes in Spanish prior to. |
| 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? | Immerse yourself into the culture, become a local! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | It is okay to ask questions! |
