Get Ready to Fall in Love Spain-Style Past Review
By Chelsea W (Spanish Education, Ball State University) for
GEO: Segovia - Study Abroad Programs in Segovia
I am a new person because of this experience. I see the world differently and I appreciate others in a way I could have never before. I met a Spaniard and dated him while I was in Spain, and it was the most wonderful time of my life. I will always have him as a friend and a reason to go back to Spain, and I wouldn't give that up for the world. It was incredibly hard to leave Spain because I fell in love with every aspect of it, but I am grateful for every second and know that it is always an option to return. My study abroad was a pivotal moment in my life and I will be forever changed because of it. It has a value in my heart that is unmeasurable.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not too overwhelming workload, I had plenty of time to enjoy the culture and explore the city. Grading was fair and less challenging than the US. The professors are much more casual and laid back than in the US, due dates were much more flexible, and the tests were not more challenging than that of the US. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Things got done, they were not very involved in the process, I feel that I did most of the work myself. This is not necessarily a bad thing, they helped when I needed it but let me do things on my own. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family, they were sociable and understanding of my situation. My host mom took great care of me but also allowed me to be independent. She did not overprotect me, and encouraged me to try new things and meet new people. They were all very nice and taught me a great deal about Spanish culture and language. They greatly added to my language abilities and I would not have developed as well without them. |
| * Food: |
The food is very good, but you have to have an open mind. Spanish mothers will pile a mound of food on your plate the second they think you like it, so learning how to voice your opinions is necessary. If you don't like it, say so, and your family will not make it for you again. If you do like it, just say it is okay, because if you say you love it, you will get about 10 pounds of it on your plate at the next meal. Try everything! Don't judge the food off of it's appearance, and always try things at least once. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made good friends with the Spanish student that was doing an internship at our school. She took me to social events and I met many other Spaniards through her. This was the most valuable connection I made there, and I would not have developed my language skills as well as I did without these friendships. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I went to the doctor once, and Marian helped me immediately with anything that I needed. She took me to the doctor and then to the pharmacist and the whole process was quick, painless, and comfortable. |
| 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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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 practiced with my host family, professors, and Spanish friends. I used the language everyday and few Spaniards could speak English. If a Spaniard did speak English it was very limited, and was easier to converse in Spanish, regardless of my troubles. |
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? | Try everything! If things get rough, keep your head up because it will get better. Don't be discouraged, there is no use of feeling bad about yourself. Remember to take a step back and realize how lucky you are to be experiencing this. It's not permanent unless you want it to be, and don't be afraid to make Spanish friends! It will hurt to leave, but you will have meaningful connections for a lifetime. This will change your life, so get ready to have some fun! |
