Sevilla, a Spring of exploration and Joy Past Review
By David S (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/07/2012 to 06/01/2012 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned that I am fully capable of being out in the world on my own.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international office was absolutely fantastic. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a host family and had a wonderful experience. |
| * Food: |
My host mother fed me and I stayed very healthy and felt well fueled. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was in classes with only other exchange students, so I didn't feel very integrated with my spanish peers at the university. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 spent more than anticipated, the cost of living and travel is exceptionally high in western Europe. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a monthly budget, and stick to it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Span 102 |
| 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? | Read books, watch movies, and listen to music prior to departure. Also avoid Americans like the plague if you want to master your Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had worked harder on my spanish in the beginning. |
