An eye-opening experience in a city of dreams Past Review
By Brendan Baumgartner (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 02/02/2016 to 05/13/2016 with
AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca
I learned so much about Spanish culture while in Salamanca. I learned about all the different foods they eat, and how the Spanish schedule is so different from other European countries and the US. My language skills improved dramatically, and I learned how to go out of my comfort zone when asking questions and speaking. I gained lifelong friends there and was shown the friendliness and hospitality of Spanish people. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Review Photos
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. |
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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? |
I developed bronchitis and the flu while abroad. A doctor came and visited me at home and prescribed me medicine. Also my program director drove me to the hospital one night very late when I needed care. My program did an excellent job with healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Salamanca, always. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIFS provided everything I needed. They were there when I got really sick, they provided great excursions, and they helped me to feel really oriented in the city. I couldn't have asked for more. |
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? | 35 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | use BlaBla Car or other apps to share rides with others and locals to safe money when traveling |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 495 - Spanish bilingualism |
| 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? | Watch TV shows and movies in that language as much as possible, download an app like Duolingo to practice daily. |
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? | I wish I knew more of what to expect/ the differences between home stay and living with other students. If I had known more I may have chosen an apartment over home stay, it may have been better for me personally. |
