Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would love to participate in the program again! Past Review

By (Communications, Drexel University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained the experience of working in a foreign company and also taking business and communications classes in Spanish. I learned a lot about myself and more about the type of lifestyle I would like to live. The experience was definitely worthwhile. I have been getting a lot more job interviews thanks to my abroad experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Nebrija Universidad was great! The professors were really personable and knowledgeable in their subject areas.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The EPA directors really make sure every student has a great experience. They are accessible, friendly, and I never hesitated to ask them any question. Not that I personally had any problems, but I know they are more than willing to help if any student has any issue.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I found housing on my own, and the apartment was rather costly compared to the living situations of students who worked with EPA.

* Food:

I miss the food of Madrid- very high quality products, clean cooking with simple, healthy ingredients.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I lived in a neighborhood called Chamberi, and I always felt very safe. Coming from Philadelphia, I had the experience of living in a city and being "street smart." Madrid was very safe, despite the public protests that were going on at the time.

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)

The exchange rate of the Euro was a little rough for a student's budget. Personally, it was challenging to decide how I wanted to spend my money since there were so many opportunities to travel, go out to restaurants or bars, etc.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Think about teaching English abroad. A couple of my friends taught children at a nearby school, and I assisted the children of a family I had known personally. It's a good way to earn money since living abroad can be very expensive.

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

I had an internship and classes in Spanish. The EPA advisers also met with us for cultural excursions or dinners and practiced our Spanish with us.

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? Spanish 312
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? A homestay situation might help students, since I had lived with English-speaking students and barely used Spanish at home.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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?
  • Assistance of the EPA Directors
  • Internship
  • Classes in Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with locals
  • More activities with native students, not just international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I shouldn't have found housing on my own since EPA would've helped me find cheaper apartments.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!