the BEST month of my life in Salamanca October 04, 2024
By Linnea D (Business Analytics, Cornell College) - abroad from 06/01/2024 to 06/30/2024 with
IES Abroad: Salamanca Summer - Language & Culture (Session II)
I learned how to better communicate in Spanish. I learned about many different perspectives of the world and was reminded of how important it is to remain educated outside of the things you hear in your news every day. It was a very worthwhile experience and I would not change it for the world.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The IES program does a very good job guiding you through your time abroad. They make you feel safe and comforted. Also they plan many experiences to help you explore the country and learn about the culture. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested. |
Finances
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* 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) |
It is definitely possible to live at a reasonable cost, however, personally, I tried to explore as much as possible and spent a decent amount of money every week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you have access to a kitchen I success grocery shopping and cooking! That definitely helped me to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | IB Spanish IV SL |
| 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? | My best advice would be to immerse yourself in the program fully. You are only allotted a certain amount of time abroad, so make the most of it. The people there want you to learn their language and they are always willing to help out! Be brave and do not be afraid to make mistakes, after all you are there to learn! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | No one is going to judge you. They want you to learn just as much as you want to learn. Do not be afraid to ask for help! |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
