La Mejor Decisión Past Review
By Kristen Trogu (Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 05/30/2017 to 06/29/2017 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Madrid
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Some of the most important lessons I learned from living and studying abroad are how to be independent and adaptable, along with providing me the opportunity to immerse myself into Spanish culture. It was the most worthwhile decision I have ever made!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20-50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You will definitely spend more on food, drinks, and shopping than you expect! Either have a strict, money-saving attitude throughout your summer abroad or take some extra money ;) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Multiple college, 300 level Spanish courses |
| 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? | Study the language and culture beforehand if you don't have prior experience and learn a few basic words and phrases. While you're abroad, if you have prior knowledge of the language or not, try to speak that country's language every day and more than you speak your own to fully immerse yourself. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Before I left, I felt very prepared for the study aspect of study abroad; however, I wish I packed and prepared more for everything outside of school - money, clothes, toiletries, etc. (sounds cliché but it is an important aspect of the trip!) |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
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