Just do it. Past Review
By A student (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft., Whitman College) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 05/25/2014 with
IES Abroad: Granada - Liberal Arts & Language
Confidence in myself. I had to do everything (navigate public transportation, job interviews, getting lost) all in a different language, which makes it all so much easier coming back to the states.
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. |
The professors at IES Granada were some of the most passionate (and understanding) I've ever had! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were extremely supportive, and very resourceful. They helped me sign up for an extra art class at a local arts school, and they also helped me deal with some health issues as well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was an invaluable experience living with a host family. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You get as much out of it, as you put into it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I started seeing a physical therapist while I was in Spain, and my program did a great job of setting that up. The PT was very easily accessible, and was comparable to what I've experienced back in the states. |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 euros |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 305 |
| 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? | Live with a host family! Do an internship or take classes that are not just at the center for international students. |
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? | It is possible not too, but I spent a lot of money abroad. There is just so much interesting clothing and mementos. |
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.' |
