Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Structured Freedom Past Review

By (Hawaii Pacific University) - abroad from 01/22/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that we are all human, and that having the ability to be humble and listen is crucial in relating with anyone you encounter.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses weren't as rigorous as I thought it would be. Its possible because we took classes in the Spanish language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Love Edu and Noelia! They were always available to help and enthusiastic :)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was so glad my homestay was close to campus.

* Food:

Spanish cuisine needs SALT haha, otherwise it was interesting trying new foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After a couple months, I felt I had a strong ability to get around the city and communicate with the locals effectively.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an ear infection and went to the healthcare provider, it wasn't a monumental difference but was satisfactory.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would want to try a community engagement program abroad that includes fieldwork opportunities.

Finances

* 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)

I definitely found that near the end, I could have saved better when i travelled outside of my country, to anticipate other travel later on, but overall Spain was an affordable destination.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? n/a

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They encouraged us to take part in intercambios, language exchange sessions, and had volunterring opportunities with locals. I was also able to take courses in Spanish.

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? Spanish 3100
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? Live at a homestay if you can, talk to locals, put yourself in situations and surround yourself with people who will speak the language with you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Cultural excursions
  • The host country
  • The structure
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to better budget my time and money

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 Adventurer
The 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.