Sacred Spaces in Segovia Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt like the program did a good job of integrating experiences within the courses. While there was not much homework, we were still challenged to apply what we were learning in a thoughtful way.

On-site administration of your program

The director was there while we were there. She was nice and seemed like she had a genuine concern for the students. She was understanding for the most part when a student needed to step out of a situation because they were too overwhelmed. I felt like I could go to her for about anything if I needed to.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied. I enjoyed my host mom so much. She was located five minutes from the school. Because we were in the center of town, we could get about anywhere when we wanted to. It was convenient and allowed us to discover more of Segovia this way. I also loved that we were able to connect with our host mom. She was a little quiet, but so were we. She had a wonderful little dog and we went on a few walks with her and Zampo. She took us out for tapas one night and showed us her weaving. She definitely cared about us, and I enjoyed having late night talks with her. The house wasn't too small and the food was stellar.

If there was something I didn't like, my host mom would make sure not to serve it again. She was never offended. For the most part, I loved the croquettas, tortillas, sopa española, tapas, and what my roommate dubbed bacon spaghetti. Our host mom taught us a few dishes too. It was a great way to get to know her better. When we weren't eating with her, it was nice to go out for tapas or stop at a cafe for a midday coffee. The coffee there is cheap, but very strong. It could have kept me going for days.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was integrated into a church very quickly once I got there. I was able to make quite a few lasting friendships. I still get messages from a few of the ladies from the church I went to. I felt like I was getting a handle on Spanish culture and really enjoyed their way of life. Being in the heart of the city, on the streets with everyone there, it was easier to integrate than I had first thought. I really miss that part of Spain. Everyone lives on the streets. I wish that was more common in the U.S.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experience with this.

I felt very safe in this city. Segovia is not a place where crime happens frequently. It is a small town and the culture there is one where people take care of each other. As a female, I never felt unsafe when I was walking alone. There were so many people around, I knew that no one could try anything without making a scene. Of course, there are lots of tourists in Segovia, especially on the weekends. It is always best to excercise caution in big crowds. I would also suggest not walking alone late at night or early in the morning. If the sun's down excercise caution. If you travel to other cities, be aware of pickpockets and travel warnings. I almost lost my cell in Barcelona. Someone actually pulled down the zipper to my coat pocket, but I was able to jerk away before they could do anything else. Sometimes, there are protests and such in other regions.

I really loved most of the professors I had. The professors that were actually from Spain were incredible. They were thoughtful and took us on excursions to places that really connected with course content. I connected with the community and with our host family. I discovered that there are so many places in this world that are sacred. They may be little more than rubble now, but you can feel each place you enter. There is always this sort of awe and peace that comes to me when I explore old buildings. The old churches are incredible, but so are the castles, fortresses, aqueduct, and the Jewish burial grounds. Segovia will always have a special place in my heart.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I found it easy to live on a student budget. I spent maybe fifty dollars or less a week on coffee and other personal items. The food is covered, so it was not difficult to provide for myself. Clothes are inexpensive and travel is inexpensive as well. You just have to be willing to take night buses and stay in hostels.

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

They encouraged us to use the language all the time. There was a jar in the center that asked for fifty cents for every English word spoken at the center.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Visiting La Mesquita de Cordoba
• Listening to Marian's stories about the different places like La Mujer Muerta
• Exploring the city with different professors and learning about history, art, and the architecture of the city

• Attention to mental health, especially when student's are experiencing depression
• Selection of American teachers for the program; they should know the city well beforehand
• More use of the center when classes aren't going on