Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/06/2012 to 06/07/2012 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I vastly improved my language skills and also learned how to be more open. I would say that this experience definitely taught me how to be a more outgoing person. It was the most worthwhile experience of my life so far.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Alicante
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?

I loved my host family!

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 15 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You do not ever have to buy your own food. Trust me. Your host family will provide you with more than enough food generally.

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? Intermediate
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? Spanish 303
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? I found that the best way to practice language while I was abroad was to participate in class and to talk to friends that I had made in the host culture.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Flexibility
  • Language Use
  • Lots of Interaction
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative Issues
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That everything was going to go smoothly and to not worry about the little stuff.