I wouldn't trade my experiences in Salamanca for anything. Past Review
By Kaitlyn Emerson (University of Wyoming) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 12/15/2016 with
AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca
I learned how to speak Spanish, how to navigate foreign countries, how to be independent, how to make the most out of my education, and what I want to do with my life post-graduation. The experiences I had while studying abroad changed me forever.
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. |
The Spanish Language and Culture classes were challenging and required a lot of self-discipline, but well worth the effort! I learned more in Salamanca about Spain and the Spanish language than I ever would have in the United States. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Gaye and Julia were amazing and always there for AIFS students if they needed anything at all. They taught me a lot about Spain, Salamanca, Spanish, and teaching English internationally. They mentored me throughout the whole program and I wouldn't have traded them for anything! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was amazing and taught me a lot about Salamanca. I also learned and practiced a lot of my Spanish with her. The food she cooked was amazing and she truly cared about me while I was studying abroad. The homestays in Salamanca through AIFS are phenomenal! |
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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 didn't have any experience with a doctor, but my roommate did. Her AIFS insurance covered a doctor home visit and prescription medication. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe to walk alone in Salamanca. People are extremely helpful and kind. However, just like you would in any city in the United States, it's best to take general safety precautions. Always be aware of your surroundings and never intentionally put yourself in a dangerous situation. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIFS exceeded my expectations in studying abroad and made the entire experience worthwhile. |
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? | $25 - $50 (aside from travelling) |
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 |
I used Spanish all the time in my classes, with AIFS students and staff, and with my host family. |
| 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? | Third year Spanish at the University of Wyoming |
| 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? | Always use the language. Even if you have the opportunity to speak English, speak Spanish. Practicing at every possible moment will really help your linguistic capabilities. |
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 would have known that there would be someone there for me every step of the way while I was studying abroad. Before I left, I was afraid that I would be 'thrown to the wolves' and would have to fend for myself. However, there was always somebody there to support me when I needed it. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
English Translation |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Manolo |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | This class was difficult in that it required the knowledge of all Spanish and English grammar concepts. However, Manolo is an amazing instructor and I learned so much about translating between English and Spanish! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | I had no credit transfer issues! |
