Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer in Salamanca= Amazing Past Review

By (N/A, GAP Year Students) for

API (Academic Programs International): Salamanca - Gap Year Spanish Language and Culture Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like I understand the language and the culture so much now and it has really changed my view on the global world. I would love to go on more trips like this in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work wasn't very hard. It's mostly understanding what you hear.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was the API office that was available anytime you needed it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I'm a vegetarian and in Spain, it is hard to be one. I was accommodated and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My host family wasn't outraged by it either.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One event I loved the most was surfing. I've never been surfing before and I was terrified to go but once you get out there, it's so much fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe and safety wasn't an issue. I didn't need any vaccines prior to this trip.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved the activities
* What could be improved?
  • The curfew was too early
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program was really fun. I loved how it was a small group of students and we all got to know each other pretty well. The curfew was pretty early but I felt really immersed with the culture.