Experiencia fenomenal Past Review

By Ben G (Spanish Language, Literature, Ithaca College) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Language skills - I went in with an advanced level of Spanish, and I left with an even more advanced level. I have trouble saying I'm fluent because I don't understand where to draw the line. I'll never be native, but I definitely improved. Confidence - Both in language and in self. I had never traveled alone before in the U.S., let alone in another country. But I navigated Salamanca and planned a two week-long trips for myself. I made it anywhere I had to go, and I did it alone. In terms of language confidence, I definitely feel I improved. It was undoubtable a worthwhile experience.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Salamanca - IES Abroad in Salamanca 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

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?	Avoid ATM fees by doing research ahead of time to figure out the best system. It's only a little bit of money each time, but it can add up.

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	They offered a "Club de español," which meant you'd put on a bracelet and promise to only speak Spanish (save for communicating with family or in emergencies).
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?	SPAN 333
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?	Before I left for Spain, one of my professors told me not to hang out with Americans. This was hard because we had an intensive two-week orientation and got to know each other. But he was right. I wanted to speak only in Spanish, but when others didn't want to, it became either awkward (I'd talk in Spanish/they'd respond in English or I'd talk in Spanish/they'd ignore me) or I had to switch into English. It's great to make friends within the program, but make the time needed to meet natives. Talking with my host mother was another great opportunity.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The city. I loved Salamanca. University. I got to take two great classes at la Universidad de Salamanca. Internship. I got to work in English classes at a local school.
* What could be improved?	The course selection process and academic advising could have been a little more organized and should have started before the program. It felt a little rushed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It is an immersion program! This means the staff speak predominantly in Spanish (though a couple do speak English) and all the classes the center offers are in Spanish, whether it's language, history, or photography. This would've been a selling point for me, but no one in my program knew this ahead of time, and some were shocked.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	SP403: Lengua Española en Contexto: Emerging Competent Abroad III
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This was the IES-required language class that I took. It was an intensive review of the most important grammar topics and included vocabulary, readings, and extensive writing and speaking practice. The way native Spaniards in Spain teach their language is different from how any U.S. teacher would do it in a typical academic setting. It was refreshing and helped me to adapt to the culture and solidify my knowledge of the language.
Credit Transfer Issues: