Too amazing to express in one line! Study Abroad in Panama City Past Review

By (Global Studies, California Lutheran University) - abroad from 01/04/2012 to 04/28/2012 with

International Studies Abroad (ISA) - Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Spanish, I gained dozens of friends, I have a whole other family now and I really gained my independence! It was completely worthwhile and I would do it again.

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?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100, we went out and traveled a lot

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? Beginner
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 201
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? Only talk to your family in spanish, and make local 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
  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family was incredible and loving
  • I made friends from all over the world
  • I traveled and had so much freedom
* What could be improved?
  • ISA could give a city tour and give a better idea of the city
  • Pick up from our houses on the way to cultural activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how much attached I would get to this country