Studying in Europe: A Trip I Cannot Wait To Take Again Past Review
By Garrett A (International Affairs, Northern Arizona University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain
My experience in Spain was awesome, my roommate and I went to the same high school and due to this trip have planned a trip across much of Europe next summer. This trip really opens up the possibilities the world has to offer. To anyone considering traveling abroad, DO IT! It is an experience that is definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Univesidad de Salamanca |
| 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. |
There was not a lot of homework, especially since school was only about 4 hours a day. I would go home and sit for about an hour or two doing homework and then have the rest of the day to myself. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The support staff was always there to help. Although I cannot remember any specific instance where I needed help, I know others in my group who did need help were able to get it. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a family for my 5 week stay in Spain. They were very well prepared to house my roommate and I during our trip. Our 'mother' was an amazing cook and we were treated very well. They only spoke Spanish with us which greatly aided our Spanish speaking abilities. |
| * Food: |
The food in Spain was very good overall. I noticed that we ate less at the house then I would have at home in the United States but this simply gave us the opportunity to try out different cafes and restaurants throughout Salamanca. It was exciting being able to try out a new culture's food such as paella, but watch out for pig ears! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
On the weekends my program spent time in other areas of Spain such as Toledo or Santander. It was great being able to explore Spain in its entirety as well as experience the particular culture of my host city |
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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 issues while I was traveling. |
| 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced speaking Spanish at school, with the family I was staying with, my travel companions and my roommate. Speaking Spanish on a daily and almost only Spanish was a great way to continue learning the language |
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? | I would suggest a few main things to students traveling to another country. The first would be to get to know those you are traveling with as they probably have much in common with you. The second thing, probably the most important, is to hang out with the locals. I did not do this enough on my trip and it is the only thing I regret. The last thing is to speak whatever language you are studying as much as possible. It is really cool to come back to the United States trying to remember to speak in English when you see your family and friends again. |
