Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

TIME OF MY LIFE! Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Austin College) - abroad from 09/01/2012 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 gained a whole other family that I love keeping in touch with! Definitely the best experience I could ever have!

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.

There was a lot of experience to speak spanish with your host family and in class. You get lots of one on one help if you need it and they love when you ask questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All the professors, directors, and other faculty were also incredibly friendly and knowledgable. Very helpful and useful program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing. I had almost no problems outside of getting used to a new eating schedule.

* Food:

If you love to try new food, or even if you only like certain foods, this program is great. When you are out you can pick your food, and your host mom is always willing to cook a version of your favorite foods to help you feel more at home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really had a great experience and was willing and wanting my time there to feel as "normal" as quickly as possible. So with a positive attitude, you become attached and integrated really quickly in the culture and your family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No one got injured during our trip that I recall, but when I had a fever, I was able to call the director and get an excused absence from class the following day to recover.

* Safety:

The city is actually very safe during the day, however at night be sure to travel in groups because no one is safe alone at night.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10 euros...just about
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A summer of not spending money is hard but worth it because I was able to travel to other cities on our free weekends. And buy all the souvenirs I wanted.

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? 300 level spanish class and a spanish speaking class
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Do NOT be afraid to speak the language, you are there to learn and everyone involved in the language is excited for you to learn!

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
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?
  • Host family.
  • Language immersion.
  • Students in my program.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Who my host family was prior to my arrival.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'