Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing country amazing travels would go back in a heartbeat. Past Review

By (Global Studies;Spanish, Providence College) - abroad from 01/10/2013 to 06/10/2013 with

Boston University: Madrid - Internship Program, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned a lot about how to live in a city. It was worthwhile.

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

Not well organized trips were not that great and I didn't love the BU staff.

* 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? No

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? 40 euro + travels which was anywhere between 70 euro to 500 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely confront yourself about budgets and set boundaries and limits on your own standard

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? 400 level classes
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't speak English with your friends make foreign friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • People/language
  • Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • My language
  • Program trips
  • Making foreign friends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To make foreign friends and don't go to school with so many Americans if you want to learn the language.

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!