Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not what I expectend Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Arizona State University) - abroad from 01/01/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile for the traveling benefits and the host family I had made it worth it. Academically, it was not worth it and I feel as if my grades suffered because of the lack on support/instructions/guidelines

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.

The classes were not rigorous in the sense that more English was used because some students chose not to participate in Spanish so the professor would change to English which did not help those who payed to study abroad to LEARN Spanish. I also felt that having one assignment the entire semester is not a clear representation of one's knowledge and it gave us no work to do throughout the semester which also does not help our language advancement. I am NOT happy about how the curriculum is designed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

I chose to travel though.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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

Read my comments to the first question.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 325
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? Take classes at the university, not through the ALI program.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Curriculum
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the classes at the university are better fitting if you want to have Spanish language exposure and a more structured curriculum.

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!