Spanish intensive cultural experience Past Review
By Sarah D (Advertising., The University of Texas at Austin) for
API (Academic Programs International): San Joaquin de Flores - Instituto San Joaquin De Flores
Yes. Living with a family is crucial.
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 workload was average with only papers to write. The grading system was on a 10 point scale. The teachers are willing to help you if you are behind or are leaving on a trip and you need to make up a day. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They had communication problems between API, the Institute, and API in Texas. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was perfect |
| * Food: |
The food is very fattening so make sure you eat smaller portions |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My family was awesome. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The host city was fairly safe. Just don't be dumb and walk around in the dark by yourself. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | We didn't need to stay in such nice hotels |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | fourth semester of Spanish |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My host family, my teachers, and the other students |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be ready to change your life and change your outlook on things. And always view things with an open mind while you're abroad. |
