Past Review
By Andrew S (Biochemistry/Spanish, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I loved my study abroad program. The six weeks I spent there were some of the best weeks of my life, and they changed me as a person in terms of how I interact socially. My academic interests and plans remain the same, and though my heart is in the US, my soul is in Spain. I would go on this program again in a heartbeat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Colegio Mayor Universitario Mara, also where we took our classes. <br /><br /> Safe neighborhood, and close enough to everything I could need. Class was in the building. |
| * Food: |
Quality of food was low. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Going to clubs/bars was a fun part of the trip, as well as bullfights and other special events organized by the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe, and I did not have to interact with the local healthcare system, though I am told it is wonderful. There are no health issues to be concerned with in Spain. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent approximately $200 (US dollars) each week of the program. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The recommended budget given by the program manual is insufficient. If one wishes to go out and taste good, local food, and go to good bars and clubs, one will spend a lot of money. A range should be given based on what kind of person you are. Those who go out more will obviously spend a lot more (2x) money than those who stay in and study. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced language talking to natives; e.g. taxi drivers, people working in the department store, etc. I needed to use the language every day. Most people did not speak English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a great program. As with other programs though, you get out of it what you put into it. |
