My Spanish Dream Past Review
By Molly R (Spanish and Iberian Studies, Berea College) - abroad from 01/22/2015 to 04/20/2015 with
KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program
I learned so much about myself and what my priorities really are, because when you are away from some things you realize you actually can lived without them and it doesn't actually make that big a difference.
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. |
The classes were not difficult but I learned significantly more than I could in the U.S. because we used the town as our classroom learning about the history and culture of the town and country. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director was a fun guy, who us taught numerous Spanish "sayings" that typical "tourists" wouldn't learn. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was extremely intelligent and loved having conversations about the culture differences and teaching about foods and other vocabulary words. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a great cook! She cooked various typical Spanish dishes for us and explained how to make them and where they originated. She would also make some of our favorite dishes with a Spanish twist. The only downfall to Spanish food culture is that breakfast was pretty light. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In the program we did not get any chances to meet college-aged Spaniards but we did interact with some business owners, doctors, and church goers in the volunteering we did for class. I had family friends living in Madrid so I got to go there and spend lots of time with Spanish natives and people my own age. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues personally but a few people in the program did and it went smoothly because they had a system already in place that made it relatively easy to get the health care needed. |
| * Safety: |
Segovia was a pretty quiet town I was often out by myself and never felt unsafe. If I was out past 11pm though I would ask my friends to walk me home because I lived near a local club. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
I went over my budget because of some of the last minute trips that I took, but my parents were able to help me pay for it |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 35 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan some trips 6 months in advance, though it can be difficult planning trips state-side once you learn how to do it, it is relatively easy. |
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 |
Our professors only spoke Spanish to us and we were expected to speak to them in Spanish. Also at every meal we spoke only Spanish with our host mom for sometimes an hour an a half each meal. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 310 |
| 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? | Talking to your host family and locals. |
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? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How to actually plan trips in other countries effectively |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
