A Mostly Wonderful First Experience Abroad Past Review
By Christian Dennis (Berea College) - abroad from 06/23/2018 to 07/21/2018 with
KIIS: Barcelona - Experience Barcelona (Summer)
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Be very careful with your belongings. Even if you think something will be fine because it's right in front of you, don't do it. If it isn't in your hand, keep it in your pocket. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, Yes, 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You'll want to splurge a little, whether it be on something in a store you would love to have, gifts for family, or food. I recommend setting a hard limit on yourself for a week. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 200 |
| 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? | There are apps where you can talk to people in other countries, and I found this useful for figuring out the colloquial phrases. Also, when people try to talk to you in the native language, instead of just immediately saying that you don't speak their language, try to hold on to what they say so that you will be able to recognize it in the future. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
Featured Program Providers
