Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 05/11/2013 with
ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain
It was one of the most worthwhile things I've ever done in my life. I can't even express how much I learned while abroad- things I expected to learn and many that I didn't. I'll never be the same because of it. It was an incredibly eye-opening experience and I'm grateful for it every day.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Much of the course work is done in class which is especially ideal for having ample time to explore the city, culture, and new surroundings. It's a great balance. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Helpful, friendly, understanding, and patient. Great people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family- great learning experience. |
| * Food: |
It's a little difficult being a vegetarian in Spain. |
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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 almost always felt very safe but definitely have common sense at when getting places at night (safety in numbers, etc.) for peace of mind. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Barely anything, only spent money on toiletries and going out at night. My host family provided 3 meals a day. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level Spanish course at IU |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Live with a host family! Take your courses in the native 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?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I wouldn't have been so stressed and nervous about it all. There's no need, you're going to have the time of your life. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
