A Comprehensive Review of the Best Study Abroad Company I Have Seen Past Review
By Christopher Joseph (University of Texas - Dallas) - abroad from 07/03/2016 to 07/31/2016 with
GlobalEd: Seville - Summer Internship Programs
I gained an understanding of Spanish culture, a more comprehensive knowledge of Spanish, and most of all some amazing connections to great people. It was more than worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was educated not only in medical Spanish and the Spanish healthcare system, but in Spanish culture. You can go to any medical internship program, any one of them and I'm sure you will get some healthcare exposure, meet some physicians and have a great health experience. But with Global Ed, you get that AND cultural immersion. When you spend time with Global Ed you become a part of their family. You spend time in bars with Nicole, talking in the streets with Rosa, and getting coffee with Steven. These people become your resources, but more importantly your guides in navigating Spanish culture. You will not regret going with Global Ed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Like I said, the administration is excellent. By far the best study abroad resources I've ever seen and I've studied abroad in three different continent. Global Ed makes sure that every single aspect of your trip is accommodated and facilitated. The staff is simply amazing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I thought the housing was great. I still contact my host mom on occasion to see how she's doing and how her family is. These people are experienced in housing students and have mastered the perfect mix of hands on conversing with you, and letting you do your own exploration. |
| * Food: |
I am not the greatest fan of Spanish food, but I knew this going in. Global Ed brought us all over Seville to try a variety of different foods, many of which I had never heard of. The host families are accommodating of dietary restrictions and preferences. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This is honestly the MOST important aspect of study abroad. Unlike most companies, Global Ed will not treat you as just another customer. To them, you are family. They invest in each and every student to make sure that their cultural experience is profound. Anything you want to try, see or learn about, Global Ed will be there to help and integrate you into local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never got sick but my roommate did. When he was sick the staff reacted quickly and efficiently. They helped contact his family to make sure they were informed, our host mom took great care of him, and the staff often visited to make sure he was feeling better. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe throughout the entire trip. The city is quite safe and as long as you are careful with your belongings, you will not find trouble. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would love to go back. I was only there for a month; while it was an amazing experience, I wish I could go back and do more. I would love to see Steven, Rosa, and the rest of the staff again. They were very helpful to my entire group. |
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) |
The host families provide all the food you need so if you're spending outside money it's all your own choice. Very affordable. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 3 High School |
| 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? | Push yourself to use the language as often as possible. The opportunities are there, take them. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Medical Spanish terminology. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
