An unforgettable irreplaceable experience Past Review
By A student (Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 05/26/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
It was ABSOLUTELY worth it and I would to it all again. I learned so much about myself, the Spanish culture, how to interact with others from different backgrounds, and how to learn from the experiences I've been given.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Granada: Centro de Lenguas Modernas |
| 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. |
It was a little hard because the classes were taught in a totally different method than I was used to. I loved some of my class, but hated others. But it was over all a good experience. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved my program I went with. They provided such great opportunities and helped out those who needed it! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a home stay. I had a great house mate, my own room, and we had 2 bathrooms! Our señora was really nice! She didn't get too attached to us, but was there to help when we needed it. |
| * Food: |
I think the food was the biggest change for me. The food at my host stay wasn't what I was expecting. I guess it was just hard not to compare to others who had extravagant meals everyday, ours was just more simple. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt truly integrated. I got really involved in a church and was able to become close friends with a lot of them. It as awesome being able to learn from them and see their lives. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues, but I was with friends who did and they were taken care of quickly. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe. Sometimes at night it was sketchy but I didn't feel in danger. |
| 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) |
It was hard because I was still hungry sometimes so went to go buy more food from the market. I also went to cafes and tapas. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| 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? | I budgeted a lot in the beginning, but eventually that got really overwhelming. I would just stick to an amount and not spend over that for the week. |
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 |
I wish I had a roommate that didn't speak english or was at the same level as me so that we could practice. |
| 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? | LAN 233.15 |
| 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? | get intercambios. become involved in a spanish community. push yourself! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That i really needed to push myself more to JUST speak Spanish and to do more intercambios |
