Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging semester that was worth every penny and every bit of stress. Past Review

By (Sociology., Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my language skills, I was able to be immersed into a new culture, I was able to meet new people and gain more perspective. Overall, I gained a lot of personal knoweldge and cultural knowledge from my trip.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed my professors and the classes that I participated in. I only took IES classes and not University classes but I enjoyed that they still had University professors and the professors were eager to work with American students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff in Salamanca was fantastic. They were very helpful when I needed and they provided me with a great semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my host family and my house mate. They were all fantastic, welcoming, helpful and just fun to be around. They took my housemate and I in as if we were simply additional children of theirs. They were helpful when we were confused and they were genuinly excited to have us there.

* Food:

There were some odd dishes but in general, I loved the food. I'm ready to go back for some more!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture was difficult at first just because it is very different than what I'm used to. but by the end, I was feeling incredibly comfortable and I had made friends with the locals and learned my way around.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had injuries to both my knees while over there and the doctors were helpful and the insurance quickly covered everything.

* Safety:

This one is more a matter of your own awareness. It was a college town and was relatively safe but I didn hear about some trouble that is possible to get into. Just be aware and it is a sae city.

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home if your host family cooks food you like so you can spend that money on other things that you can not get at home.

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

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? Advanced grammar and composition/lecture classes taught in Spanish
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? Speak it all the time. Force yourself to speak it with your friends in your program. Speak it as often as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Host family
  • City
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • longer stay allowed after finals
  • more excursions offered to other cities, that were not required
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but it gets easier and it feels nearly natural by the end.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.