Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very fun, lots of excursions January 06, 2022

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/06/2021 to 12/19/2021 with

SIT Study Abroad: Spain - Social Movements, Democracy, and Cultural Identity

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish because I used it every day. I learned the basics of the Spanish political system and met with a variety of politicians and nonprofits. The program was hosted in a beautiful city and there were many planned long and short excursions in addition to the opportunity to travel independently across europe. It was an amazing experience overall.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 semesters of college level Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Meeting new people
  • Traveling in Spain + France
  • Strengthening Spanish skills
* What could be improved?
  • More options for extra curricular activities (impacted by COVID)
  • Better food options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Leaving the country won't automatically make you happier

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.