A Spectacular Summer in Salamanca Past Review
By Katie (University of Southern Indiana) - abroad from 05/27/2017 to 07/01/2017 with
ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain
Many of the things I gained are intangible. More confidence, more self-assurance, more respect for myself and my capabilities, the list goes on. Not only did it change my view of myself and made me better, it was a blessing toward my language skills! Am I fluent? Of course not, but now I know that if I keep working my goal of being bilingual isn't all that far-fetched at all.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes, being taught exclusively in Spanish, were intense and interesting, however, all of the professors were very eager to help students if needed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Choosing ISA was the best choice I could have made, weeks later and the staff at the Salamanca office still feel like family! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a homestay and my host family consisted of just one woman, but she was the most lovely, sweet, kind woman I've met. I felt respected, included, and cared for the entire time I was there and I miss her terribly! |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a great cook and she took the time to eat every meal with me and truly immerse me into the Spanish cuisine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Salamanca was a welcoming city, but occasionally it was difficult to get involved in local events with more locals than international students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need any special vaccines to go, nor did I experience any health issues while I was there, but my program did provide me with insurance which was great in case something had happened! |
| * Safety: |
The very first day in the city I was lost on my way home and wandered throughout the city, despite my initial fear there was never a time when I was in real danger. I saw no instances of crime and never felt unsafe. In fact, the locals were accommodating and even walked me home to make sure I got there! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would go back in an instant. I had amazing opportunities and met some people who will be in my life forever. |
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) |
I came with an ample savings account to make sure I would be okay and I feel like it was more than enough. Additionally food was provided through my homestay so I did not have to pay for that. Over a 5 week period, I spent roughly $850-900 USD total. This includes food, souvenirs, going out, extra traveling, buying clothes/other items, and everything I did while I was there. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start early! Save as much as you can and set a budget, you can always come back with money, but if you run out that's it! At the same time, make sure you work having fun into your budget. I found a lot of great resources online that helped me build my budget and I had it worked out to be between 180-200 USD a week, and 150-200 USD for each time you travel. In the end, I spent way less than this budget, but it also meant I was comfortable financially the entire time I was there! |
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 |
My host mom spoke no English so I was forced to use my Spanish skills everyday! My classes were also all in Spanish and that encouraged us to speak in the language during class. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Advanced |
| 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? | Speak! You can learn to read and write in another language and feel confident, but you really need to speak in that language to get comfortable. I came in as an advanced student, having taken Spanish for 6+ years and the first week was difficult because I simply did not practice conversing enough. Fluidity and confidence only happen when you practice, and don't feel embarrassed! The locals appreciate that you're trying and will be willing to help you out. |
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? | Practice speaking more, especially with native speakers, they won't judge you if you mess something up. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
