Transforming Past Review
By Clay Sierra (Southern Oregon University) - abroad from 09/30/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
API (Academic Programs International): Cadiz - Universidad de Cadiz
My overall perspective on life was altered for the better. I was able to continue on my journey of learning a foreign language and was able to meet some cool people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Cadiz University was very welcoming. The classes provided a challenging environment to improve your Spanish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Cadiz, Spain - API |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Extremely. The host family was great. Very welcoming, genuine people. Also, they were extremely good cooks. |
| * Food: |
Loved the seafood/beach style of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
n/a |
| * Safety: |
Never felt any real issues. I am also a bigger guy |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
API was great. No complaints at all. They had a good relationship with the University and it allowed for a smoothless transition. The trips were well planned and the host families were awesome! |
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? | 100 - 200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No. |
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 |
We were immersed. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 1st year undergrad Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Total immersion is the best. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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 like being surprised! |
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.' |
