Studying Abroad: The Greatest Choice You Can Ever Make Past Review
By Kaitlyn S (Spanish Education, Illinois State University) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
It was the best thing that I've ever done in my life and I feel like a different person now. I've become more independent and have gotten more confidence in my foreign language speaking ability and I've also made amazing friendships. It has reinforced the fact that I want to be a Spanish teacher and now I might even want to return in the future and teach in Spain.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was probably less than at home, but I still was busy with homework here and I wrote a lot more papers. The teachers really care about the students and truly want to help, which was a nice change. But the grading system here can be a bit harder and the teachers don't pass out A's like a lot of teachers in the United States, but if you work and participare, you can definitely get a good grade. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CEA is a great program and the directors are always more than ready to help with any problem that comes up while being in Spain. There is always someone in the office or quickly responding to emails and they set up many great events to participate in. My expectations were exceeded and although the program was 90 people, the directors knew every person and made close friendships. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family treats me like one of their own daughters and we have a great relationship. They are very welcoming and always bring me on family trips because they want me to be part of the family. I didn't need to buy anything extra because they provided me with linens and other little things. |
| * Food: |
The food was good, but it was the hardest adjustment. I had to eat exactly what my host family served me and not having a choice was kind of difficult. They also gave me way too much food and I couldn't really say no without offending them. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program trips were great, organized, and a lot of fun. My favorite was to Lagos, Portugal because we had tons of free time and it was with the entire program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Granada is very safe and I never had to feel worried or uncomfortable in a situation. The only thing to worry about is getting pick pocketed. If you were sick, the program was always there to help, although I never had to go to the doctor. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Public transportation definitely adds up, although it's cheap. |
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 Grammar 216 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family and that was probably the most helpful way to practice listening skills and also speaking skills in a comfortable environment. They are always willing to help and you learn a lot more of the day-to-day Spanish. I'd say learning the language was important because you need it to speak with people at stores or events and not many adults speak English in Granada. |
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? | It is truly the best experience of my entire life and I think everyone should try to study abroad, whether it be only for a few months or for the entire year. It causes you to be much more independent and find yourself in a new environment and you learn so much about what you want in life. It also is a great way to surround yourself with new people and make friendships for a lifetime. |
