Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Slowly Growing into Spain April 12, 2024

By (Music/Spanish, Lawrence University) - abroad from 08/28/2023 to 12/15/2023 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca – Psychology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to adapt to a completely different culture and how to make a name for yourself in a new community. It was absolutely worthwhile

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Salamanca – Psychology Photo IES Abroad: Salamanca – Psychology Photo IES Abroad: Salamanca – Psychology Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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

The local staff were incredible and had so many connections in the area. It never felt like we were forced to go out and do things but it was rather healthy encouragement which I believe works better

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? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook when you can, it's a hassle but will save you money. Also take advantage of the meal plan.

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

There was encouragement but a lot of times it felt awkward to speak spanish with your english speaking peers.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? 500
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? Just get people to talk with you, about whatever. The more random and varied the better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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 integrations to the local students with the mentor program
  • The traveling built into the program. The trips are where I got close to my peers.
  • The connections that the staff had. If you wanted to do something, they knew someone who could get you started.
* What could be improved?
  • Classes outside of IES felt a little weird, people could tell I was an outsider
  • Classes from IES were sometimes a little unclear. I didn't know what would be on tests or when they were but it depended on the professor.
  • It would have been nice to been shown around a little more in Salamanca.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to use local transportation and how to travel independently.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.