Past Review
By agc1 (Linguistics., Rice University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain
My study abroad experience was the best time of my life. Not only did I learn alot about another culture, but I learned alot about myself. I met so many amazing people and learned life lessons that I wouldn't have been able to experience in my home country. I definitly want to make future plans to be abroad again for an extended period of time.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Salamanca |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although the coursework wasn't as challenging as at my home university, the enthusiasm of the professors was contagious. Going to class was truly a fun learning experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were completely met. The program directors and advisors were very accessible and genuniely cared about helping the students. The program size was great- small enough to know everyone but not too small. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with a single mom, her daughter, and 3 other students (2 American, 1 Turkish). I had my own room. It was an ideal living arrangement, especially having the other students there. <br /><br /> My apartment was located literally in the city centre. I had the best location out of all of my friends. |
| * Food: |
The food that my host mom cooked was excellent! She made typical Spanish dishes as well as other types of food. Everything she made was delicious. I never wanted to eat out because it wouldn't live up to her cooking. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions arranged by my program were great- we got to experience many historical sites with guided tours but also had free time to explore on our own. My favorite trip arranged by my program was to Morocco. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Salamanca. However, I would not advise anyone to walk alone at night, especially girls. Also, be aware of your personal items. While I never had a bad experience, I have friends who were robbed by carelessly leaving bags open. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | Because I ate most of my meals at home, I spent most of my money on going out (drinks, occasional snacks). I would occasionally go shopping (clothes, souvenirs). I would estimate that I spent on average about 50 euros a week. However, I did a good amount of traveling to other cities and countries. The majority of my money was spent on plane tickets, hostels. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I came to Spain with a good ability to speak Spanish but improved significantly because of the day-to-day usage. In the beginning, it was frustrating at times- my head would hurt from thinking in Spanish. But I soon adjusted and returned home with a noticeable improvement by both family and professors. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a great program- from the organization, to the directors and other students I have no complaints. Work and play was perfectly balanced. |
