Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Marvelous February 11, 2024

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Ohio University) - abroad from 12/16/2023 to 01/06/2024 with

Arcos Learning Abroad in Granada, Spain (iNMSOL)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Identity and character development

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I loved my homestay! Isabel was so nice and caring!

* Food:

I got lucky enough to stay with someone who owns a bar.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Well, it's a different country, but with Arcos. Well, I have to study abroad again for my major anyway.

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)

It was easy, I just spent too much money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Too much (it was my lack of budgeting)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budgeting, I came in with the idea of buying a wardrobe in Spain haha

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 3500
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? Find friends

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • food
  • host family
  • country
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!