Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Groundhog Semester Past Review

By (Business Administration, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/30/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I wanted to explain why I put Groundhog Semester my title. I was referencing Bill Murray's movie "Groundhog Day". I placed it there because without a doubt if I could repeat any expereince over and over again, it would be my time in Salamanca. I'd like to say I'm conversationally competent in Spanish. haha. I gained a larger sense of the wellbeing of the world. I can adapt to unfamiliar situations with a calm head and a sense of confidence. I have been bitten (hard, I might add) by the travel bug and I yearn to spend every dime I earn exploring and learning about different cultures. I gained friends who will forever have their door open for me to visit. I want to return to Spain one day. I want to return to Europe one day and hopefully, remain there permenantly...at least for a while. Was it worthwhile? Yes. Wholeheartedly, yes.

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.

The overall educational experience was pretty great. There was a lot of work, more than I would have expected from a study abroad program. It wasn't hard, there was just a lot of it. It just seemed that all the other IES students that I would meet in other cities would mention how they barely had any. Maybe the difference was because I went to Salamanca, a city well known for its education. At times it would be a bummer that I couldn't go out and explore the city because I had to do homework. But everything was great. The teachers in my program were helpful and very patient.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all very supportive! I enjoyed my time with them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I ADORED my host family. They were so incredibly kind and loving. They basically adopted the me and the other American that lived there with me. It was always a joy to conversate with them! (My spanish skills grew exponentially since they didn't speak any English). In addition, I was perfectly situated from everything: the school, the store, the nightlife ;), and where I volunteered.

* Food:

My host mom was a phenomenal cook. I devoured everything she cooked haha. I know others didn't have quite the same experienc, but I got lucky!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt relatively integrated. Within the first 2 weeks, I had already made friends with a couple of locals and some of the other students that went to the University of Salamanca. I think the reason for that was more because of my personality. But honestly, you HAVE to put yourself out there. You're not there for a very long period of time, so you have to optimize your time there. I took that to heart and becasue of it, I made some pretty amazing friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but the program did outline a way to receive medical attention if the issues arose.

* Safety:

Salamanca is an amazingly safe city. After an exciting night out with international friends, I would feel completely comfortable walking around the city at 4:30am by myself. I would NEVER do that in my hometown, but there? I didn't feel like it was a hostile enviornment at all.

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)

I think what really drained my finances was traveling haha. I don't regret it at all, but I think I should have budgeted a bit better. If I had just remained in Salamanca the whole time, then I wouldve given 5 stars because I never ate out much. My host mother's cooking took care of those needs!! But yeah, there were a couple of times where I would have to ask my parents for my money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you know where you want to go and budget for it. Figure all of that out BEFORE you go abroad. It'll save you a lot of stress.

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? Intermediate
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 V
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Stop speaking English. It'll be tempting, but just stop and use the language you want to practice. :) Intercambios (language exchange meets) are your best friends!! (and you could potentially make a really good friend from it!!)

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
  • International Students
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?
  • People in my group
  • The trips!!
  • El camino de Santiago!!
* What could be improved?
  • Their attendance policy. *message me if you want details, but a simple mistake cost me a whole letter grade.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but if I do. I'll make sure to come back and place it here.

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.