Life Changing Past Review
By A student (Spanish, Accounting, Illinois College) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 11/27/2012 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much in so many aspects. It is hard to sum up my experience in such few sentences, but I feel like I grew in so many ways. I learned a great deal about Spain and its culture, as well as my own culture. I became independent while improving my Spanish skills. It was definitely a worthwhile trip and I would love to go back someday.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were great. There was tons of information to learn without being too overwhelming. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I loved trying the traditional Spanish food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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) |
It was difficult to convert to the euro, but after a while I was more able to adjust. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It varied, but around 50 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just try to limit spending as much as possible and save in the beginning to really help your budget to last. |
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? | 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? | Upper level grammar course, Upper level business Spanish course |
| 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? | It is important to try. The people around you do not want to judge your level of Spanish, they want to help you improve. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 knew what to budget for food and extra expenses. I wish I knew that I would fall in love with it so I could have signed up for a whole year!!!! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
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