A Fantastic Experience Past Review
By Kasey G (Rowan University) - abroad from 06/22/2015 to 08/01/2015 with
ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain
I learned a lot about myself and how confident and independent I can be. It was 100% worthwhile
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. |
I took an archaeology course, where I was able to see and touch things that were thousands of years old. You don't have that kind of opportunity here in the US |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors were more than helpful with anything that we needed at any hour of the day |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with 4 other girls. It was very safe and rather large for European standards. I really enjoyed living there |
| * Food: |
The food was great, I go out of my way to buy jamon here, back in the US |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were able to do intercambios, or language exchanges where we would have a conversation with a Spanish person who wanted to learn English, and we would respond in Spanish. It really helped me feel more integrated with the city |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Unfortunately, my roommate did have a health problem, but it happened on a Sunday when a lot of businesses were closed. Luckily, the hospital was still open so she was able to go there, with the help of our program directors. She had to pay the full price of the visit up front, but the insurance reimbursed her in full when she returned to the US. We did not need any special vaccines for the program. |
| * Safety: |
Like all cities, there are good areas and bad areas. I never felt threatened or scared that someone was going to hurt me, but I also never went out at night without having a friend with me. I would just recommend to always be alert and cautious of the people around you, but not to let it bother you too much. |
| 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) |
I shopped at the local grocery store and cooked myself. As long as you don't splurge too much you shouldn't have a problem |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Beware when going to bars,some will over charge you because they know you're a foreigner |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 0 |
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? | Pack light, you won't need as much as you think you will |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
