Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hard but rewarding and enlightening Past Review

By (Concordia University Nebraska) - abroad from 03/07/2016 to 05/14/2016 with

ISA Study Abroad in Valencia, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not enough to fit in here. I learned more Spanish and learned about different cultures, and I'd definitely say going abroad was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The experience of even being so far from the United States and experiencing other cultures was enlightening. I also think when doing an abroad experience, it is important to have time to just submerge yourself in the other cultures as well as learn from your studies. Since this program came with three day weekends and two weeks available for me to travel Europe at the end, I'd say it did an excellent job of giving me this sort of opportunity. ISA also did a good job of placing me in a work environment that was completely relevant to my degree, which I was able to learn a lot from.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff was very helpful and did a great job of placing me at a workplace relevant to my degree, but they do have a tendency to place students not fluent in a foreign language in work environment that can't cater to English.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment complex was a fun, multicultural experience.

* Food:

I mean I had to buy it all on my own, but it was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very much so.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

This was a seemingly good and affordable experience, but in meeting other travel junkies, I found out some even more convenient/inexpensive ways to work in Europe

Finances

* 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)

Food is cheaper there, but it was hard not having any income with the internship.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably $40 a week, more or less?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save ahead of time, and learn to walk/use public transportation. Also you don't have to tip anyone over there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ability to travel
  • Internship as opposed to taking classes
  • ISA advised us rather than supervised us. Lots of freedom.
* What could be improved?
  • putting nonfluent students in work environment that can speak English
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More Spanish.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.