An unforgettable irreplaceable experience Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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 seƱora 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

  • 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?
  • the city
  • our trips as a program
  • the program leaders
* What could be improved?
  • The food
  • Organization of the events
  • More opportunities to do intercambios
* 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