Please take me back!!! March 31, 2021

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very reasonable and appropriate. They were challenging and helped me expand my learning, however they weren't too challenging and I was able to also enjoy my free time outside of academics.

On-site administration of your program

My AIFS program has two in-country AIFS employees who were there to support the AIFS students. They were really helpful and great. They always addressed needs, concerns, and questions. They were there for the good times, like fun excursions, and not so good times, like emergencies.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my living area. Based on my preferances, I chose to live in an apartment instead of with a host family. AIFS made all the arrangements and I was really pleased. I was housed with 4 other girls, 3 of which who were also in the AIFS program. We were also housed with one Erasmus student from Poland, who I ended up becoming great friends with. Anyways, the apartment had a fully equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer rack, a living room with a TV and sofa, 5 bedrooms and two bathrooms. The apartment also included a cleaning service that came in every few weeks to clean. That was awesome. The rooms were also great. Each bedroom had a queen sized bed, a window, a desk, shelf unit, and closet. They were so spacious and nice. This apartment was also located about a 10 minute walk from my school. I enjoyed the walk each day which helped me see more of the local area. It was also next to the grocery store, local produce shops, parks, shopping, restaurants, and night life.

Since I lived in an apartment I was required to provide my own meals. I am accustomed to this so this was no problem for me. I loved the access to fresh produce and also AIFS provided those students who lived in apartments with prepaid cards we were to use for different things like food. I only wish I did more to get a better taste of local cuisine.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like the culture there is very young and that it is a place full of students. In other words I never felt out of place or anything like that. Being that I did live in an apartment, i feel like those who lived with a host family learned more about the culture on a more personal level.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't require and healthcare attention while I was abroad But I do remember one girl in the program had to get surgery or something while we where abroad. I remember that she got the surgery and it was fine.

About half way into the program Covid-19 struck and other providers began sending students home. While this made us students sad it is clear that AIFS had our safety in mind. They sent us home as well.

Now that I look back at my time abroad I am even more in love and appreciative than I was when I was just returning. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the culture, and the people and everything and it took me being away from it all to realize just how big of an impact that experience had on me. I loved walking the old architecture lined street each day, buying produce from the local vendors, picnicking in the park, watching local people dance Tango in the plaza, and much much more. It was a beautiful experience that really brings a warm and happy feeling when I reminisce.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was able to live on this budget very well. I cooked at home mostly and I only went out occasionally. the biggest expenses where when I arrived and needed to buy bedding and towels for my apartment. Other than that I managed well.

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

When I arrived I was planning to take my classes all in English because my Spanish still wasn't too strong. However, after my Spanish speaking exam they encouraged me to consider taking my courses all in Spanish. I was nervous, but I did do it, and I am so happy I did. I expanded my Spanish speaking skills so much and I am so happy they help encourage that decision.

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans

• The classes, learning about topics I never did here in the U.S.
• The excursions to different parts of Spain
• The friends I made.

• Maybe finding more ways that students can connect with local students

The Avid Adventurer