Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Four incredible months to remember for a lifetime Past Review

By (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, University of Rochester) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/17/2015 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad, I took classes both through my program and at a local university (Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca). There is no better way to improve your Spanish speaking, writing and reading capabilities than to be part a full immersion program like mine. Program directors, mentors, professors, and host family were always there to encourage us and assist us in any way possible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

Living with a host family is the best thing you can do!

* 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)

Salamanca has a low cost of living, great for college students

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5 euro

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 277
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? Talk to the spanish speakers, make friends

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
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?
  • host family
  • other students
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known the types of clothing I should have brought.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!