Cádiz: Learning Gaditano means I can now understand any Spanish speaker! Past Review
By Emily M (German, Spanish, Education, Concordia University - Wisconsin) for
API (Academic Programs International): Cadiz - Universidad de Cadiz
Yes, my study abroad experience was worthwhile. I gave this program a 5 star rating because of the sheer amount of improvement in my Spanish and the knowledge I gained of another culture during my semester abroad. Studying in Spain is a fabulous way to get to know the origins of Spanish speaking cultures in the world and to explore a rich, European culture of the present day.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Spanish classes through the centro de lenguas were excellent! I was the only American in my classes with other European students and I loved it. The classes at the University of Cádiz with Spaniards were very challenging, but I learned so much and it was a great experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site program administration was extremely helpful. They were very willing to give advice, registered us for classes, showed us around the city, took us on excursions, volunteered to accompany us even to the doctor, and were all around genuinely nice people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living with a host family and I highly recommend it for improving language abilities and getting accustomed to the country. The family I lived with was very inclusive of my roommate and I, cooked wonderful food for us, answered all of our million questions, and honestly served as a family away from family. I lived about a five minute walk from class and only a ten or fifteen minute walk from the best nightlife. The only thing I would change is sharing a room with another American. That happens quite often, but it would be best for language acquisition to not live with someone from your same home country. |
| * Food: |
The food was excellent!! I ate at home with my host family most of the time- generous portions, always had fruit and bread, very tasty food. I also recommend the restaurant Göttinga. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursion to Granada was my favorite. We also went to Sevilla, Paris, and Jerez as well as other important sites in Cádiz. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Cádiz is extremely safe. I never felt at risk for anything. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with my host family, with the other European students in my classes (we didn´t all speak the same native language), at church, and with the Spanish friends that I made. Yes, I needed to use the host country language in every day interactions. The average person on the street in Cádiz does not speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who honestly want to learn Spanish would benefit most from this program. There are not a ton of Americans around to be able to congregate with, which I enjoyed. It is a challenge to live in another culture, but just keep on keeping on and you will be so amazed at all you learn in the end! |
