Palma de Mallorca is Paradise! Past Review
By Philip W (Spanish/Business, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) for
CIEE: Palma de Mallorca - Summer Language and Culture
I gained so much, learned about a foreign culture. Practiced my speaking skills. Was able to see an island I never even knew about. It made me see the world differently and realize I could possible live somewhere else besides the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought the workload was very fair. The teachers and staff were amazing. The educational system was not very different. It was a summer class so the structure was different but overall an amazing experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very efficient and helpful. Everything exceeded my expectations and I have no complaints. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a family (mom, dad and 3 brothers). It was an amazing apartment. Plenty of space and very modern. The family was very nice and welcoming. They taught me so much and were very interested in where I came from. I didn't need to buy anything, they refused to let me. They made me feel like a member of the family. |
| * Food: |
AMAZING!! The food was delicious, they have many options so you are bound to find something you like. Some touristy places can be pricey but there are plenty affordable and delicious restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We got to witness the San Juan festival, the fire festival. It was crazy it was pretty much 4th of July. We also got to see an uninhibited natural island and swim in a cave. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe the whole time. There are areas they warn you not to go to because of wild people. They aren't dangerous just crazy. They island was very clean and safe. We had one student get an eye infection and was able to see a doctor and get medicine immediately without a problem. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My host family, staff and teachers all spoke Spanish. I only spoke English with American classmates. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would say if you have some interest that is good enough to go. I just knew I wanted to do a summer speaking Spanish and went for it knowing nothing. I didn't over think it. I'm glad that I did because it was beyond amazing. |
