Time of my life! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 08/19/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile and worth all the money! Learned and improved my Spanish a great deal, made life long friends, and learned a lot more about myself.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare provided was easily accessible which was great. I got into the doctor's office right away and got the medications I needed. The doctor spoke English as well which was comforting. But I still don't have the refund from my visit.

* Safety:

I personally never felt threatened, but I also didn't do anything that I wouldn't do here in the U.S. The only thing is that future students shouldn't bring valuables because lots of people in my study abroad group got things stolen.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100 dollars on average. Depending on my weekend activities/travels

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

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Phonetics
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Spanish language access
  • weather
  • school
* What could be improved?
  • orientation
  • more planned activities
  • change itinerary for international trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I had previously talked to other students that participated in this program the semester before I did, so I felt pretty prepared.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.