Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SIT Spain: The best Study Abroad program in Spain Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Villanova University) - abroad from 09/02/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and improved my Spanish Language ability a lot.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned more than I have ever learned in a semester, but I didn't spend a lot of time studying like I do when I am at my home university. The staff there were so supportive and helpful, they really just want their students to succeed, learn spanish, and have a great experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

More like a family than "administration", the staff were so welcoming and warm toward us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host family in a really nice part of Granada. Unfortunately I didn't form a good relation with them and at times there was awkwardness but SIT has chosen not to work with them until they can discern that they are a good fit for their students. Living with a host family though is a choice that I would make again in a heartbeat.

* Food:

Host family food was delicious, and the free "tapas" culture made eating out extremely affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Granada is really unique in that it's not very Americanized like some other Spanish cities (Madrid, Barcelona, etc.). The locals didn't speak english so you really were forced to use and practice your spanish. Additionally there is a university in Granada with 70,000+ students so it is a very young, vibrant city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe, it's just about being smart.

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)

Since meals were provided by our host families it was quite easy to live on a student's budget. I believe Andalucia is one of the least expensive to study abroad in all of Europe.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75

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? Intermediate Spanish Classes
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? Make friends with locals! And try not to speak all English with the other Americans on your program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Location
  • Program Staff
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Helping Americans meet locals
  • Seminars
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? While there is a lot to learn and experience there, the staff is so helpful and supportive, there is nothing to be nervous about as far as academics goes.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.