There's no place like Cai-Cai! Past Review
By Alicia K (International business, Bryant University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Cadiz - Universidad de Cadiz
YES! Study abroad is such a life-changing experience. You learn so much about yourself as a person and you realize your inner strength. I highly recommend it to all students.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Cadiz |
| 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. |
It took some time to adjust to the European education system. We are so used to continuous assessment here in the states. In most of Europe, class attendance policies are less strict. Students have to be self-motivated to learn and grades are typically based on 1 or 2 exams. That being said, I found the workload to be manageable and the grading system to be fair. One of the best things about the Universidad de Cadiz - the professors!! They were all incredibly passionate about their respective fields and went above and beyond to make sure that I was interested in my coursework and learning at the same pace as the Spanish students in class. I felt so grateful to have their help and support throughout the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
API is the best! Such an awesome program provider. From pre-departure, to onsite, to post-trip - they don't leave anything out. It was so great to feel supported throughout the process. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was nice to live with a host family. You learn more about the culture and colloquial words/phrases that way. I wish I could have bonded with my host family more, especially my host sisters. But its also important to keep in mind that they were just as busy as - and it was hard for them to find the time to connect with me. |
| * Food: |
Keep in mind that Cadiz is one of the poorest cities in Spain, so people don't typically spend lots of money on food. Lots of soups with garbanzos and lentils. Be ready to eat lots of bread! Be sure to go out for tapas and check out local restaurants for a taste of traditional cuisine. Cadiz is known for their seafood. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Lots of Erasmus kids at the school to socialize with. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I needed to visit the doctor a couple of times and our onsite director was so helpful. Had no issues at all. Doctors were great. |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke with our on-site program director - who is FANTASTIC, by the way. I also spoke with my host family, peers and in everyday interactions. The Cadiz program really encourages language acquisition and improvement. I definitely noticed improvements in my speaking ability. |
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? | Don't be intimidated by the language requirements - people across all levels can do this program. Be open-minded! Try new foods, meet new people, do things you wouldn't normally do. Put yourself out there to get the best experience. |
