Salamanca: One of the Best Times of My Life Past Review
By Kim G (Mass Communications-Public Relations, Texas State University-San Marcos) for
ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain
I incorporate Spanish culture into my life to this day. This was a once in a lifetime experience that sparked my love for travel. Pack light and go have an adventure!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My professors in Salamanca were very engaging and always willing to help when I struggled with Spanish. Homework assignments were given almost daily, but never interfered with recreational time while abroad. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Carmen and the rest of the ISA staff made this experience! They were always available with great advice for getting around the city and traveling independently on the weekends. They helped with school work and any problems regarding housing, language barriers and additional problems. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
It was typical dorm food. The best meals come with staying with a host family. |
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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: |
I did not have any health problems while abroad. Salamanca was as safe as any urban city and there was safety in numbers at night. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most of my friends in Salamanca were American, so we would speak English regularly. But while out and about in the city we were forced to immerse ourselves in the culture and speak Spanish. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | Students must be willing to travel outside their comfort zone and open to new experiences. Weekend excursions are some of my fondest memories and I regard fellow ISA students as some of my greatest friends. Never be discouraged by the cultural and language barrier. If locals see that you are trying they will welcome you with open arms. |
