A lot more than just the perfect vacation. Past Review
By Nick K (Spanish Language and Literature, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/30/2013 to 11/29/2013 with
ISA Study Abroad in Málaga, Spain
The most important thing I gained from my experience was confidence. I learned that I am capable of leaving behind a comfortable lifestyle and thriving in an unknown environment. I learned much about how I communicate with people, and gained the confidence to make lasting friendships quickly and easily. Summed up, I gained the confidence to own this world I live in and find my place in it.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 |
The ISA administration and people involved on-site in Malaga are excellent! They were helpful in every aspect of my time spent there, from my academics to helping me with my own personal travel plans elsewhere in Spain. They became friends and people who I could rely upon. Beyond that there is an incredible network of ISA offices in all cities where they offer programs, which made me feel like I would always have support or company no matter where I decided to explore. |
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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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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? | SPAN 3 in High School |
| 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? | The best way to ensure you get practice in a language is to make a conscious effort to surround yourself with people not on your program as often as possible. While these people will quickly become friends, you will also be tempted to speak English with them. The more you hear and speak the language the faster you will feel comfortable opening your mouth. |
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 that I had known how fast two months really go by when studying abroad and chosen a longer ISA program. |
