Spain: Great for one month, but no longer... Past Review
By Travis B (International Business, Maryville College) for
ISEP Exchange: Pamplona - Exchange Program at Universidad Pública de Navarra
I really enjoyed leaving the United States and meeting people from all across the world. It gave me a new found respect and appreciation for the US.
Personal Information
| 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. |
I strongly disagree with the grading system in which i was graded upon. Must students abroad are on a pass fail system, however my home university had me on a 1-10 grading scale. This system was very hard on me because during my study abroad experience, i wanted to see new places, meet new people and try new things. However, i spent most of my time studying which i didnt appreciate. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The advisor for all study abroad students quit about one month in to the trip, so from then on out we had no contact with an advisor... |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was completely left in the dark as far as housing goes. I was no assigned a living situation before i got to spain, so once i arrived, i had to call strangers and try and use my broken spanish to schedule visits to various apartments. It was a very stressful and scary experience. |
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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: |
There was no advice given on safety at all. |
| 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
| 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?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Have everything arranged before you arrive. Know exactly where you are living, have your classes picked out and most importantly let your home school know that you want to be kept up to date with any forms, letters, etc. that you will need for isep, your host university or home university |
