Salamanca es Magnifica! Past Review
By Elizabeth H (English, Campbellsville University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Salamanca - Universidad de Salamanca
Definitely. I learned so much about the world outside what I had known before, and now I can't wait to travel again.
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 classes were fun and surprisingly easy to follow, considering I knew minimal Spanish when I began the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
When my initial program was cancelled, API helped me find a program that I would enjoy. They were so kind and helpful, and walked me through every step of the process. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our madre was so wonderful to us, and provided us with everything we needed. Her home wasn't very large, but there was plenty of storage. She definitely made the most of the space available. We were able to come and go as we pleased, as long as we were quiet. Usually, we went to class, came home for lunch, took a long siesta, went out in the afternoon, returned for dinner, and then got ready for nightlife. We were usually home by 5am, and ready for class at 8! The walk was at least a mile to town, but it never seemed far, especially since everyone else was walking, too. |
| * Food: |
It was a lot milder than expected, but delicious! We put queso fundido on almost everything at the house. The helado in the plaza is the best, hands down. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going out every night to dance or party or hang out was awesome! I still miss that. We also went somewhere every weekend with the group, and the trips were always so well organized with plenty of information. We also took dance lessons from a studio in town --it was a blast! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was extremely ill at the beginning of the trip, and once it was determined that I was not, in fact, homesick, a doctor was brought to my hotel room,and I was treated. In less than a week, I was better. The program director, Maria, constantly checked on me, and my madre was very motherly and doting. I always felt safe, even late at night. The boys in our group were gentlemen and walked us home. |
| 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? |
Teachers, people I met, waiters, my homestay mother, etc. We also practiced in the group, but a lot of people were much more fluent than I, so I let them talk for me. Nonetheless, I picked up on a lot and learned much more than expected. |
| 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? | Go for it--it's a smaller town, comfortable, safe, beautiful, and tons of fun. |
