Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best culturally enriching experiences of my life! Past Review

By (Public Health., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/30/2013 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 feel like I gained an amazing preview and overview of the culture of Spain. Living with host families further enhanced this experience because we felt like part of the family and were able to interact with them on a day to day level. It was definitely worthwhile. I would do it again in a heartbeat and would encourage everyone interested to participate.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I exchanged my dollars into euros here in the United States and I tried not to take any more money out in Spain. That way, I had a set amount of money to start with and I tried to spend below that.

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? Advanced
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? 300 Level courses (321 & 326)
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? Make goals to do it before you leave and keep each other accountable to adhere to those goals.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Trips around the country
  • Directors
  • Group activities
* What could be improved?
  • I can't really think of anything that could be changed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish we had planned our time in the cities a bit better. I think we could have spent our time more effectively if we had made a list of things we wanted to do instead of waited until we got to the city to figure that out.

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.