Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most Amazing Semester of my Life Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/21/2016 with

GEO: Oviedo - Study Abroad Programs in Oviedo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about who I am as a person and what I want to do with my life. It was the best and most worthwhile semester I've e ver had.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot from the teachers and the classes were hard enough so I learned, but easy enough that I was able to spend weekends traveling without worrying about getting too far behind.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not have much interaction with the host country program administration, but it also wasn't really needed for me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host mom and I loved it. It was a fantastic experience and I learned so much from her!

* 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:

I felt incredibly safe in Oviedo! I never once felt threatened even when walking home late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved Oviedo. It was a fantastic city and everyone there was so helpful and kind. I learned so much and felt like I got to experience true Spanish culture and not just the touristy parts like Madrid.

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? 30 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget before each trip how much money you want to spend and only take that much with you! You'll be much more conscious of how much you're spending.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2002
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? Speak Spanish with your host mom, your friends, even your American friends. Use it as much as possible because even if you aren't always right, you'll learn so much doing that.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 people
  • The food
  • The Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Different In-Country Coordinator
  • Classes with Spanish Students would be nice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling is the most amazing thing and you learn so much from every trip you take even it it's just a 20 minute bus ride away. So don't be afraid to spend a little extra money while you're there to take as many trips as you possibly can.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.