Segovia: my home away from home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My workload was fairly light. I had no trouble keeping up with my classes and still having lots of fun. The only warning I have is that several things common in American classrooms are quite rude in Spanish classrooms. Yawning, stretching, and eating anything besides water are all taboo, as is leaving the classroom for any reason (it's believed to be a distraction).

On-site administration of your program

The faculty leader is very approachable and knowledgeable, and will make you feel very welcome. Provided you don't speak English, of course. You will be chastized for speaking English in her presence, even though she's bilingual.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very, very comfortable with my host family. Segovia is a very safe town, and very beautiful. There's history around every corner. Class was about a 20 minute walk for me, but not a very difficult one. My host family treated me very well, although I know of at least one student in our program of 28 that had to be transferred to a new family.

I had no diet restrictions to begin with, but those who did were well accommodated. The food is very tasty and healthy, and most families won't allow you to leave the table unless they're absolutely sure they can't fit any more food into your belly. I didn't dine out much, but when I did, I went to the Kebap Turkish restaurant just in front of the Aqueduct. They had very good sandwiches and fries. Also good for a snack is Valor Chocolates. Their chocolate and churros are the most wonderful thing since sliced bread.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were here for the festival week, which was wonderful. There are different events each day of the week and a fair every day, topped off by a bullfight on the last day (the bullfights are quite bloody, I don't recommend going if you have a weak stomach). The excursions are wonderful as well, though you'll probably get sick of seeing so many cathedrals. Night life is very active.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The city itself is very safe. My host parents left their car on the street, unlocked, with the keys in the ignition for a week while they went on vacation, and it was still untouched when they got back. I had no health issues while I was there (aside from one fainting spell that was over in just a moment- it's really quite hot, bring a fan), although I know two others did. Both recovered very well, although I don't know how much the program had to do with it.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My host family spoke very little (and limited) English. Most of the teachers didn't speak much English either. It is absolutely necessary to use Spanish every day, because the shopkeepers, waiters, and other service people generally don't speak English. Most of the students in the program preferred to speak English among themselves, but that's really the only place you'll be able to.

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