Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My experience was outstanding. Past Review

By (Plant Science/Spanish, South Dakota State University) - abroad from 05/10/2012 to 06/11/2012 with

EUROACE: Valencia - Spanish Language, Internship, Academic Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Euroace had higher expectations than most US schools and promoted full participation both in and out of the classroom, something else not typically found in US schools.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was administered well. We had classroom events in the morning, and also had cultural exposure on weekends and throughout the week.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I couldn't ask for a better host mom.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was a sink or swim type of setting when out on my own, promoting social integration. It was a bit intimidating at first, but soon it was normal and it felt like I was a regular resident.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There were no safety concerns I experienced.

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)

You don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself.

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

We lost grade points if teachers heard English.

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? College level
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 be afraid to make mistakes. The message will likely be interpreted correctly.

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
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 culture
  • The food
  • The weather
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked an agricultural view of the surrounding area (rice, citrus, vegetables, etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have stayed in touch better with the Americans I went with when we returned home. We shared a great experience.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.