Avila, Spain: There Are Better Programs Available Past Review
By Andie T (Pre-Law, University of North Dakota) for
Eastern Michigan University: Avila - Eastern Michigan University in Spain
I often felt out of place, which I love. It also gave me a better understanding of the feelings of foreigners in the USA. I now have more patience with them and can relate better.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Salamanca |
| 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. |
The workload was the right amount. The grading system was completely subjective, biased, and unfair. However, after talking to the professors |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program size was good. We had small classes and could interact well with each other and get to know new people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
We never went hungry. Our host mother always made sure we were fed. Go to a lot of bars! They are fun! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to prominent cities in Spain and saw many of the main attractions. It was very fun and educational. As far as culture goes, the people there were unfriendly and racist towards any non-whites. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never once felt unsafe. I really loved the safety aspect of the program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I didn't have many people with whom I could practice. Basically the only time I got to practice a lot was at school. My host mom treated me like I was stupid and barely spoke to me. In everyday interactions I used the language, but those were not very common, as the people in general were weary of strangers. They did not like talking to us. Most people did not speak English, though the people with whom I spoke the most did speak English. I didn't get to practice Spanish even close to the amount I had wished. |
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 go elsewhere. There were more complaints than positive experiences overall. Going to Spain was amazing, but the educational Study Abroad part was not good at all. Most of us could not wait to return home after only two or three weeks of the six-week program. |
