Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CEHS allowed me to expand my comfort zone and enhance my Spanish language. Past Review

By (Bethel University) - abroad from 08/30/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

Centro de Estudios Hispánicos de Segovia (CEHS): Semester Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I gained from the experience abroad was that I can do and be a lot more than I give myself credit for. If you would tell me now that I could understand all of the Spanish that I do and actually feel comfortable speaking it, a year ago, I wouldn’t believe you. I was always self conscious to speak Spanish and now I’m confident in knowing that I am still learning and still have improvement to be done, but my Spanish level is nothing like it was when I first arrived in Spain; I’m grateful for everything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel that we were not able to meet enough Spanish people - or international people - living in Segovia, Spain. I felt excluded and when I miraculously made friends other people in the program would judge what they thought I was doing with my friends; because I wouldn’t want to play board games with solely Americans on a Saturday night in Spain. I believe that getting to know people in Segovia made me really get to know the language and culture more. I feel bad for people who were not able to form lasting relationships with Spaniards, because they are amazing people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe and the director of this program cared for our safety wherever we would travel to.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would have to think again, knowing what I know now, about if I would do the same program again. At most times, I felt I was with my group of Americans too much and wanted more independence. I loved my host family but wished that I was better immersed in the culture.

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? Around 50 to 60 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat food outside of your host family’s home and you don’t need another pair of pants from that cute store on Calle Real - shopped too much.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 301U
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Meet people and be comfortable making mistakes! All that matters is if you are learning and growing in your Spanish language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved having an internship as well as classes all in Spanish.
* What could be improved?
  • Just meeting more local Spaniards
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would be with my American group all of the time.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.