Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploration of A New Culture Past Review

By (Biology, Simmons College) - abroad from 06/21/2014 to 07/27/2014 with

Atlantis: Pre-med Fellowship Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Attending the Atlantis Project in Gran Canaria this summer has been a great experience for me. This program allowed me to learn both about the healthcare system in Gran Canaria, but also to learn about the culture and people of the island. I was able to explore services in the hospital both those I had a high interest in and those that I was not very familiar with. By exploring services in such a way I was able to learn more about the healthcare system in Gran Canaria, than if I had only gone to those I was highly interested in. I also deeply enjoyed the excursions that allowed me to explore the island and culture of Gran Canaria, and meet people both in the program and from the island who allowed me to grow as a student, traveler, and individual by opening my mind to find the similarities and differences of a culture other than my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80-100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on going out, and doing activities that are not a part of the program you should be prepared to have extra money. Also bring extra money for bus tickets which can get expensive.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College level latin course
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? When speaking to locals ask them to translate words you do not know, and

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • All components of the Hospital Internship
  • Excrusions
  • Meeting Locals
* What could be improved?
  • Bus Ticket Accommodations
  • Organization prior to arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel that my knowledge prior to the program was adequate.

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!