Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Vigo: An Experience You Can't Sum Up in One Line Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/20/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

ISEP Exchange: Vigo - Exchange Program at Universidad de Vigo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be independent. I learned how to travel and make friends, and I became nearly-fluent in Spanish. I learned the importance of going with the flow and discovered a love for translation and eating Galician octopus. It was absolutely worthwhile.

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.

It was good, but none of my classes will actually technically transfer...

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It's unfortunate that the only option is to search for an apartment after you've arrived in Vigo, but it worked out pretty well in the end.

* Food:

On-campus food is alright but it's expensive. Grocery shopping in Vigo is dirt cheap!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I came to love Galician culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I'm still trying to get my insurance sorted out with the hospital I went to...

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Vigo. I had my phone stolen but otherwise had no issues.

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

I had plenty of opportunities to travel but I enjoyed every minute that I was in the city Vigo itself. I loved the Gallician culture, I loved being surrounded by mountains and ocean, and I loved the quirky nature of the city.

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? I don't know
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop instead of eat out and buy plane tickets well in advance.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? a level 350 course in Spanish
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? Get to know locals

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?
  • Exposure/immersion in different culture(s)
  • Getting to know people from all over the world
  • Learning to be independent
* What could be improved?
  • Full explanation of every step of pre-study abroad process
  • Assistance with finding housing once you arrive in Vigo
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I should've invested in a cookbook. Most international students attended events in a certain area of town, which I should've tried to live close to. There were fun cultural classes (eg: bagpipe classes) in the city cultural center that I wish I'd known had existed, because I would've attended them.

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.