Salamanca: A unique place to study abroad! Past Review
By Jordan (Claflin University) - abroad from 11/13/2017 to 12/20/2018 with
AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca
I met so many unique individuals. I decided to join a salsa class and travel throughout Spain! I gained experiences that shape the way I think and how I interact with others!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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? |
The apartment was a little crowded. I opted for the apartment stay opposed to the homestay for financial reasons and because I am a picky eater and I wanted to cook for myself. |
| * Food: |
There were many great food places! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Socially, it was different. I was an African American woman and I could tell that people were not used to seeing someone black. Even though I did have some racial encounters, It made me more aware of the importance of traveling as an African American. I came back with more global knowledge and I used it as an opportunity to not only learn about Salamanca's culture but teach others about mine as well! What a privilege...to have the opportunity to alter perspectives globally. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It was very safe! I was pick-pocked but thanks to AIFS insurance policy I was able to be reimbursed for purchasing a new phone! AIFS truly has your back. Julia and Gaye went with me to buy a new phone and also to the police station to file a report. Gaye also helped me fill out the insurance claim form to submit to my program! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was all inclusive and the staff ensured I had everything I needed prior to leaving and made sure that I was prepared to return. The excursions were also great because many of them were included in the costs and I enjoyed having more opportunities to experience Salamanca. |
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) |
I was able to budget pretty well. Food was inexpensive and if I would've stayed off of Calle Toro shopping I would've had a lot more lol. |
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 |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to go out and just meet with people and talk. One of my regrets is that I was introverted and didn't want to "mess up" on my Spanish in front of others, . |
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? | Nothing, I didn't know much about Salamanca prior to studying abroad. I was originally supposed to study abroad in Barcelona but I'm so glad I ended up choosing Salamanca. I had a unique cultural experience that I couldn't experience if I had study abroad in Barcelona. I enjoyed learning and experiencing Salamanca for myself. I will never forget the first day I arrived in Salamanca! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
