Best Time of my Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload from the Universidad de Salamanca is very manageable and helpful. As a student, you quickly learn that the teachers want you to do your best and would rather see you succeed in learning the language than obsess over grades. The grading system depends upon the individual teacher but for final course grades it is similar to the grading system in the U.S. The teaching methods are quite similar but I believe there was a lot more conversational interaction between students and teachers, which is essential for learning a foreign language.

On-site administration of your program

If I could do it all over again, the only program I would choose is IES Abroad. The staff were very welcoming, friendly and informative. The program offered opportunities for the students to bond with other students in the program via excursions to Santander and Portugal and also held events like ice cream socials and Spanish guitar shows. Because the group was smaller (under 15), we really had a chance to connect with one another and make lasting friendships. In addition, IES encouraged us to interact with the local community and meet the locals. By partnering with the University with an "intercambio" program, we could meet Spanish students who wanted to learn English so you could meet for coffee or lunch and talk in your native languages.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was the most welcoming and perfect family that I could ever have imagined. I had my own room equipped with a desk and chair,an armoire and bed-everything you need. My host mother in Spain was very sweet and encouraged me to speak in Spanish and ask questions. We talked about various things and really helped me learn the language. In a different country where the people don't speak your native language, it is easy to be a victim of culture shock and admittedly, I was the first few days. However, after staying with my host family, who made me feel right at home, I didn't want to leave after two months. I still keep in touch with them and plan to visit them soon!

The food in Spain is incredible. My host mother was an excellent cook so I was spoiled at home but the restaurants are incredible. I highly recommend the paela and the pastries. The time at which Spaniards eat lunch and dinner may be different for some. Lunch is eaten at about 2 or 3 in the afternoon and dinner isn't served until 9 or 10pm.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With the program, there are many cultural activities. For example, the group took Flamenco and Salsa classes. Also, we took trips to Santander and Portugal. The program provided us with tickets to a guitar show and an authentic flamenco show. The IES staff also advised us on how we could sign up for more trips through the University. Anything that we may have wanted to do, all we had to do was ask the staff and they would gladly lend a hand. In addition, Salamanca is a great city. There are bullfights in the summer. Pools for swimming. Of course, there is the nightlife too, which is amazing. Salamanca is a college town so there are many bars and discotecas that are aimed toward the college crowd.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt extremely safe and well looked after while in Spain. The program required us to have Spanish cell phones so that they could contact us at anytime. In addition, our host families kept in touch with us about their schedules and inquired about ours. Unfortunately, I got a slight cold and pink eye while I was away in Spain and the IES abroad staff took me to the local hospital and the healthcare I received was superior. I didn't have to wait long and the facilities were clean, the staff was nice and the medicine that I was prescribed was cheap. Safety and health were not issues.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Host Family
• Dorm

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• Host Family