Complete Immersion in the Traditions and Cultures of Spain and Morocco Past Review
By Damien G (Spanish Language and Literature., University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/10/2014 to 04/16/2014 with
IPSL: Segovia - Study Abroad + Service Learning in Spain
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned much about both the history and current state of Spain. I am far better at speaking Spanish, and have learned how to live in and navigate foreign cities independently. I have made great friends in my host family and professors, and have learned valuable lessons about the importance and benefits of volunteer work.
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
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | No more than $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If staying with a host family, be sure to eat with them, especially if they are home-cooked meals. Not only will it cut back on food costs, but it is also a great way to get to know your host family, and is a sign of respect and cultural tolerance. |
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? | 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? | SPA 484- Independent Study in Spanish |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Be sure to learn the specific dialects and languages of the area in which you plan to study; it's often different to speak the language in the host country than it is to learn over here. |
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? | I wish I had known how to live more independently; while I loved Segovia and all the locations I visited, I felt that my desire to stay close to the program's locations kept me from experiencing some of the other regions of the country. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
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