Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best, most positively influential experience of my life Past Review

By (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/29/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Alcalá de Henares - Spain Study Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a ton not only about the language, culture, people of Spain, architecture, history, etc., but also about myself. I discovered, based on the relationships I made with my fellow study abroad students, what kind of man I want to marry. I learned so much about myself as well, and what kind of person I want to be, because of the amazing examples the other students set for me. It was seriously the best experience of my life, and I know all of us were meant to be there at the same place and time. I know we all grew because of one another. I'm so grateful I went! It's an amazing, PERFECT program.

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?

* 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? 30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Your host family should make you all the food you need, but use a little money go try new foods at cheap places.

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? Spanish 205
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? Even when the rest of your group isn't speaking the language, YOU need to set the example and speak. They may respond in English, but little by little everyone will take after your example. Ask your group members to speak spanish, and hang around those who do!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Our directors
  • Getting to see every part of Spain.
  • Having a GREAT host family
* What could be improved?
  • nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have been a little more comfortable with spanish so I could have improved even more. Also, I wish I would have had the opportunity and courage to meet and make friends with the local people.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.