Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Incredible Shadowing Experience in Vigo,Spain! September 13, 2023

By (Psychology, University of Florida) - abroad from 06/25/2022 to 07/22/2022 with

Atlantis: Pre-med Fellowship Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the lifestyle and culture. It was very impactful to understand the different physicians path to medicine and their passion for people.

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.

Incredible. During this program, I carried a notebook where I wrote all of the different medical terms in translation and drew diagrams. Most of the physicians I encountered wanted to go above and beyond in teaching me about the health care and path is Spain!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My site manager was awesome! The excursions I participated in ( Santiago de Compostela , Cies Islands, Exploring Spanish Castle ) were breath taking!!! My site manager did a great job of organizing our meals etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

When I first arrived there was a little confusion, however after it all hammered out I LOVED my location. I lived on a beautiful strip in Vigo Right outside there was a Zara, H&M, pull&bear and TONS of food around me

* Food:

I am not a huge seafood person, and Vigo specializes in seafood. I still enjoyed the food and was adventurous!! Had some of the best calamari ever. I ate tons of bread

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

VERY! There were people who began to recognize my group and give us free things! At the end of my trip, we ended up on the front page of the Vigo Newspaper. Everyone was very friendly

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to have all of my vaccines before attending the trip especially Covid, which worked out because I was set. When a couple of us did get a cold our site manager helped us get what we needed

* Safety:

I felt EXTREMELY safe. We enjoyed roaming the city ! Given this was my first time out of the country , I was very appreciative for this.

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

Given I started the pre-med track during COVID-19, this program was essential in me getting some of my first in-person experiences with medicine.

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)

I personally was fortunate to have worked a lot and saved so I could spend as I pleased. I bought lots of clothes and souvenirs. Tried a lot of new foods!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I worked a lot to save and have money to spend during my trip! I went towards the end of the summer so I worked a lot in the beginning while taking a class

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

For my specific program, we were told knowing Spanish was not a requirement but it definitely helped to understand and communicate with the physicians.

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? IB HL Spanish
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? I had my phone in Spanish! I watch Netflix in Spanish! Things to familiarize myself with the language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Spain City Life!
  • Excursions!
  • Specialties!
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between doctors and program directors
* 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!