Santander: An Unforgettable Experience Past Review
By Andrew V (Spanish, University of North Texas) for
ISA Study Abroad in Santander, Spain
I barely passed with a C in my Spanish 3 class, but after coming back from Spain I passed Spanish 4 with an A+ no problem. There is no better way to learn a language than to embrace yourself in it. Eventually you will begin thinking, dreaming, and speaking Spanish without even realizing. You know you have mastery over a language when you can respond in it without translating it in your head beforehand.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | La Universidad Internacional de Menendez Palayo |
| 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. |
It was great studying abroad. The professors in Spain were very helpful. Although mine did not speak fluent English, they were still able to effectively teach Spanish Grammar, History, and Geography. The workload was not much at all, which allowed a lot of free time for exploring the city and the beach. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't feel any weaknesses in the program when I attended. On my trip there was a girl who did want to return home because she didn't realize how far away Spain was from the states and freaked out, but there was nothing the program could have done about that. She was just stupid. The experience was fantastic and I wish I had the opportunity to do it again. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in a loft with a woman who always had international students stay with her. It was a little cramped, but I spent most of my time outside of the building so it wasn't ever a real problem. I stayed with one other student from my program and two international students from Hong Kong and Russia. It was a great experience and I was amazed at the hospitality I felt there. |
| * Food: |
Spain has a much different culture, and I wish I had taken that into account when I ate my first meal with my host family. I didn't realize that home meals came in courses, as I am accustomed to all food being served at once. So when the first dish came down, I filled up. I was shocked to find out that there were still three courses left! The food was great, and the host family loved taking suggestions on what they could cook for us. She would pack us lunches if we were unable to come home for lunch. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While writing this review, all I can do is think of the good times I had when I went on the program. From weekend trips to Toledo, San Sebastian and Los Picos de Europa, to afternoons at the beach and the nightlife at bars and discotecas, I fully embraced the Spanish culture. I had an amazing time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? |
Living in a Spanish speaking environment is what really helped me gain deeper knowledge about the language. By living with the family I learned idiomatic expressions, and I gained practical language experience through daily interactions on the bus or beach, and in stores. |
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? | Pay attention to the group leaders when they are explaining the cultural differences between the United States and Spain. Prolonged eye contact doesn't mean the same thing as it does here, and I got into a couple awkward and funny situations because of it. Be aware of idiomatic expressions. Just because it makes sense in English doesn't mean it translates the same idea in Spanish, and vice-versa. For example "Como boca del lobo" means that it is pitch dark, but in English it means "Like a wolf's mouth". Doesn't make too much sense for the other culture. Flirting with women in Spain is much different than in the United States. Spaniards are much more forward (as is the rest of their culture). So be careful with what you say - it may imply more than you mean for it to. Their culture is very direct. What we may see as offensive in the States is the norm for what Spaniards may say when describing people, such as "negros" for people with black skin or "gordisimo" for someone whose overweight. Don't be offended, they are just straight forward. Also, don't get freaked out if you think they are invading your personal space when talking. Spaniards maintain very close talking distance. |
