Me encanta Salamanca Past Review
By Sam B (Environmental Economics, Western Washington University) - abroad from 04/01/2012 to 06/15/2012 with
API (Academic Programs International): Salamanca - Universidad de Salamanca
I've found myself in a number of ways. I've seen tons of new cities, countries, things. New experiences. I went from being an able reader, writer, and understander of Spanish to being a good SPEAKER and conversationalist.
Review Photos
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ladies were always on vacation or unavailable to help. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Spanish food is good, unique, not spicy. Helps to have a host mother who cooks well! Very little food is provided by API on excursions, etc. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
NA |
| * Safety: |
|
| 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) |
Salamanca is a bargain! |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat the meals provided to you by your host family/residencia. Stock up on continental breakfasts on excursions. Yes this included sneakpacking a free lunch while you can. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The courses were great but the fact that I was surrounded by other API (American) kids on excursions annoyed me a bit |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300-level |
| 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? | Live with a host family! AND make yourself part of the family - ask them about their day and tell them about yours. I got very good at past-tense storytelling because of my host mom. Go to class, be outgoing, hang with locals, get to know your instructors, insist on using Spanish. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing. It's better to be surprised and improvise. |
