I absolutely loved Salamanca Past Review
By Megan F (Finance, University of Denver) for
ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain
Independence, understanding of different cultures, new friends, ability to adapt to a new environment, memories!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was difficult to maintain only 7 absences because I really wanted to travel in my short time there; however, I definitely learned a lot of Spanish in a short amount of time because the grammar class was very intense and I was fully immersed in the language. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved the host country program administration. They were very friendly and fun and made me feel comfortable away from home. They also made the excursions very fun. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing. I was able to spend a lot of time with them, especially my mom, and really get to know them. I felt extremely comfortable and safe in the home and the environment and really grew to love them. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was the best cook ever! Just a little hard adjusting to not eating a big breakfast. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions were a great way to see the country of Spain and bond with other kids in the program. It was also appreciated that we stayed in nice hotels and had professional tours to learn about things I would not otherwise know about if I visited the city on my own. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Salamanca is an extremely safe city and I never once felt threatened. I was never sick while in my program. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I would practice the language every day with my professors and my Spanish family. I would also occasionally practice with intercambio friends.Most people did not speak English in Salamanca besides the students. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is perfect for someone who wants to benefit from a small and safe college town. Great, cheap bars, unique local culture and an overall amazing experience. Only draw-back is Salamanca's location makes it difficult to travel much, but it is still possible! Just need to take a 2.5 hour bus ride to Madrid. |
