Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience I will never forget Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/27/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more Spanish grammar. I feel it was taught in a way that I have never learned before and it was refreshing to see it from a new perspective. I learned about it Spain and Europe in general. I learned how to be independent more and meeting new people outside of the U.S was really cool. Yes, it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? Yes

I’d give a 7.5 but I don’t know if that’s applicable here. The excursions were planned out well and they chose really nice places for us to visit. The school was very helpful and had a positive environment. I would have rated it a bit higher if I had a better living experience.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5€

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? 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? A couple of 400 level Spanish classes
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The excursions
  • The helpfulness and Kindness of the on-site staff of the program
  • The freedom they gave us on excursions
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Probably pack warmer clothes but that was entirely my fault.

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 Linguist
You 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!