ISA Malaga Past Review
By Courtney S (PSYCHOLOGY., Longwood University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Málaga, Spain
Yes. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I learned so much about myself in such a challenging, yet fun environment. I made great friends in such a short amount of time and there is nothing I would change.
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. |
The workload was challenging but at the same time nothing like my host university. The grading system seemed fair through ISA but the Spanish grading system in general was pretty hard. The teaching style in Spain is much more lecture based. We rarely had any handouts other than the lecture and we never had any books. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA is such a great program. They were so involved with us, very fun but also gave us our space. They really cared about our well being and many times stayed late at the office if we were having problems with something. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
My host family cooked 3 meals a day for us and they were all fantastic. They ate with us each meal but if we wanted sandwiches to take to the beach or something they would make that for us instead. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I traveled a lot throughout Spain and I think one of my favorite cities was Nerja. It was so beautiful and the water was the most blue I have ever seen. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Malaga is an extremely safe city. I never once felt threatened. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Practice with your American friends and participate in language exchanges in order to make local friends. I would suggest that everyone live with a host family. It is such a great experience and a great way to learn the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Malaga, Spain is the best city in the entire world!! Everyone should come! |
