Living the life in Spain Past Review
By Katherine H (International Business., Illinois State University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
I would never trade anything for this year, it was one of the best times of my life. I love the Spanish culture and my host family was amazing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I feel that I learned a lot and the teachers really cared about teaching. I don't like the Spanish educational system because it is very vague in what is to be expected on exams and the fact that there are only two test that determine your whole grade. Also, I feel that the teachers could give more feedback on how you are doing throughout the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were helpful in answering questions and helping us through the predeparture process. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my family!!!!!! The apartment was in a perfect location and I couldn't have asked for a better family. On the other hand my roommate caused me a lot of stress and was difficult to live with. |
| * Food: |
It is difficult to get used to the schedule change in meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to a Flamenco show, the bull ring, the Alhambra, and the science museum. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe at all times, even at night. The healthcare was easily accesable and even though they didn't speak English I was able to get by. My program was very kind and helpful with all medical and safety needs. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 15 euros per week when in Granada and much more when traveling. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be wise with your money and don't buy everything you see. Remember to convert the money more or less in your head into dollars so you know how much money you are really spending. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 116 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Speak with your host family as much as possible, if you are living with one. Through CEA they provide intercambios, which are helpful to practice speaking with. Also, try and meet locals and keep in touch with them. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Take advantage of every opportunity you have in your study abroad experience! |
