An Independent and TRUE cultural immersion Past Review
By Lindsey H (International Relations, Roanoke College) for
ISEP Exchange: Malaga - Exchange Program at Universidad de Málaga
YES!
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. |
Attending the University of Malaga was very challenging. As one of the only international students in my classes, I was pushed way beyond I expected. Overall, this experience way eye opening and rewarding. My spanish language ability increased significantly and the professors were understanding of international students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had a lot of difficultly getting our stipend money each month. The study abroad administrator abroad had way too much on her plate, she definitely needed some help in the office. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments are old and small, but living with other Spanish students is an invaluable experience. It is much like student apartments with local Spanish college students- a blast! |
| * Food: |
Made food in our apartment, had a stipend but was never on time. Tis' the spanish way :) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
No excursions included in the program. Very little orientation. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No experience with the Spanish health care. However, pharmacies are way more useful in Europe. They can give you many over the counter prescriptions that you can only get with a prescription in the US. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with my two spanish roommates, who were my age and spoke no English. Do not take the 3 week "free" language course unless you have a place to stay!! |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | Learn to laugh at yourself during the difficult times, but overall- you will love this city and the people you meet here. |
