Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing expierence to learn about different cultures, language and traveling. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Truman State University) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 05/20/2013 with

ISEP Exchange: Vigo - Exchange Program at Universidad de Vigo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I learned so many things about other culture by being involved in Erasmus. I did not just learn about spanish culture but about many European cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Many of my classes I feel have little application in my career. Wish the grading scale and grading system was better explained. Overall it was a good expierence. Wish I could of been placed in a program that had a Psychology program. I fault ISEP not Truman.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall it was good. Answered emails quickly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall I was satisfied with my apartment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any serious heath issues. Americans I knew that did lacked the knowledge to find a public hospital not at private one and affordable healthcare. When I was sick I went to the pharmacy and they were able to give me medicine for my need.

* Safety:

Defintely do not walk by yourself late at night otherwise the city is perfectly safe/

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-60 american dolllars. 40 euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If possible share your food with roommates and other apartment essentials. Take advantage of all discounts you can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

At the university it encourage to use the language immensely. Outside the university the events planned by ERASMUS was mainly in English.

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? Introduction of Hispanic Literature
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 native speakers with no Erasmus students.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Being able to travel
  • Learning the Language
  • Meeting Internation student
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • More info about local culture
  • More explanatin of the process before you are accepted.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished that I asked more strongly to go to a school with a Psychology program because many of these classes have little application for me. It would have been better to live with native speakers but I did learn so much about other cultures with my roomates being from Chile, Germany, and France. I wish I knew more of what the Erasmus program was because ISEP end up doing all the Erasmus events.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.