Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Altering! Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 01/06/2012 to 06/16/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What didn't I learn? It was incredibly worth while, it's probably the greatest learning experience I will ever have.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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? No

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? 200-400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money ahead of time and keep track of your spending. That way you can budget your money for important things such as extra travel.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Upper Level Spanish at UT-San Antonio
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Having the opportunity to learn abroad.
* What could be improved?
  • The university I was at had very diorganized administration. I wish they would have more information available about courses ahead of time versus making us register for classes with out giving us any help. I think part of that is how things are run in Spain, but at least ISA and my U.S. University's Study Abroad Office were there for anything I needed.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How small my host university was.