Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision I've Ever Made Past Review

By (Global Studies, Providence College) - abroad from 02/02/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am just starting to realize and understand how much I gained while studying abroad. It was the best thing I've done during my education, and helped me learn a tremendous amount academically as well as real world knowledge.

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.

* 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?

* Safety:

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? My host family provided all necessary food. I spent about $25 a week if I chose to go out with friends instead of eating at home.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home with your host family. It's a great way to save money as well as bond with them.

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? 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? 200 level course in college
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? Talk to anyone and everyone around. Professors, vendors, clerks, host family, friends, and your classmates

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?
  • The people (host family, professors, directors)
  • The structure of the program (different classes along with excursions)
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • I wish there was a little more structured interaction with local students who were our age
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I hadn't packed so much stuff.

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!