Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

We´ve got some ´Spaining to do! Past Review

By (Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies., The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/23/2012 with

Centro Mundo Lengua: Summer and Semester Programs in Spain for College & University Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile, I only wish it could have been longer! I loved traveling, meeting new people, living in a city, speaking another language, living with my host family, and trying new things (especially food!)!

Personal Information

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.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Withdraw money in large chunks and when the value of the euro is down to avoid ATM fees

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? Advanced
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? HISP 320
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? Don´t speak English, if at all possible!! I had many opportunities where I could choose between English and Spanish and a lot of the time I just took the easy route, but I wish I had spoken more Spanish.

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
  • International Students
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 program really felt like a family.
  • The Host family experience!
  • Speaking Spanish!
* What could be improved?
  • The "Intercambio" program
  • Group attendence for cultural activities
  • Group spanish speaking
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked to know more about the class schedule.

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.