Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An indescribable amazing experience that I could not trade for the world. Past Review

By (Spanish Secondary Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I cannot not even put into a small number of words what I gained and learned. It was the most worthwhile experience of my life. No other experience could put my mind in a new mindset and understanding as I now have.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I personally preferred American teaching styles. I feel that it would highly benefit me to retake particular courses here at my own university that I had taken in Granada. I did not learn sufficiently in some courses, which of course, could happen abroad or in my own university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My house mother was absolutely amazing. I personally should have done the apartment option. I am very pleased that I tried it however was constantly quite uncomfortable. That is my own personal comfort though. My particular housing was rather dirty as kind as she was.

* Food:

My particular house mother was unbelievably accommodating to my picky preferences.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met Spanish friends and thankfully they showed us around so much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Appeared good, although I never personally experienced any need.

* Safety:

As safe as I felt with the fact there are always people around and I never felt threatened by the homeless for instance, I was still a bit disappointed with the lack of involvement with the police whenever there was a problem.

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? 100-200 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a ledger of every penny you spend. It helps to see it all go.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 116.15
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? MAKE SPANISH FRIENDS

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Directors
  • included group activities
* What could be improved?
  • I do not know!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Host families are not for everyone.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'