Salamanca: A Unique and Fulfilling Experience Past Review
By Ricci W (Spanish/English, Anderson University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned an immense amount about myself. While I used to see myself as a kind of jet-setter, throughout my time in Salamanca, I discovered that I value my home community just as much as my global community. I found a degree of resilience and patience that I hadn't before seen in myself; I was able to make the most of my experience without losing sight of the people who were already important to me. I gained language skills, knowledge of culture, a multitude of memories, beautiful photographs, and meaningful relationships.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was challenging, but not overbearing. I chose to switch two classes in order to push my language skills. Every professor I had was interested in their students and also dedicated to their educational goals; the more relaxed relationship between teacher and student was refreshing. They exposed us to Spanish culture and language to the fullest extent. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISA staff were extremely helpful, open, and compassionate individuals. They were consistently available for questions and encouraged making the most of the study abroad experience through exploration and group interaction. In addition, they were organized and promptly addressed any problems or needs. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
For the majority of the trip, I lived with one host mother and one roommate. We each had our own rooms, and my roommate and I shared our own bathroom. The last couple weeks, we had one more roommate from Japan; the original roommate and I then shared a room. Our building was close to the center of the city, which includes class buildings and ample nightlife. Our host mother provided all needed items and was absolutely fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed her company and knew she was available for anything I needed. Getting to know her was one of the best parts of the experience. |
| * Food: |
I'm a vegetarian, and my host mom was incredibly flexible. I honestly think she should author a vegetarian cookbook. I've never eaten better in my life. |
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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 never felt unsafe in Salamanca. I consistently walked home late at night with friends and was never threatened or nervous. For a couple of weeks during my stay, I had an awful cold/sinus infection, but the pharmacy was available for medication, etc. I felt much better over time. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language with my host mother, during intercambios with native Spanish speakers, and in all of my classes. There were very few people in Salamanca who spoke English, excluding Engish-speaking students, which gave me ample opportunity to expand my vocabulary and extend my language skills by stepping into the unknown. |
| 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 who are interested in studying with people from all over the world should choose this program. I was able to learn about a multitude of cultures, not just Hispanic, during my time in Salamanca; I met a variety of amazing people from Japan, China, England, New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, etc. In addition, those who thoroughly enjoy nightlife would do well in Salamanca. I found that there are limited activities outside of this realm, if one is staying for an extended amount of time. |
