Study Abroad was the best time of my life Past Review

By Caitlin B (Accounting, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much from being abroad. It was the best time of my life. It's crazy to think about how just overseas, people live differently. Just experiencing a new culture made me experience my own culture as well as embrace Spain's culture.

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.	Workload was just the right amount, teaching methods were awesome, it was just an amazing experience
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were very accommodating to any changes. They planned many trips and informed us about things to do and how to get there.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	colegio mara mayor. we each had single rooms with bathrooms, cleaned once a week. very nice. <br /><br /> right next to the metro. restaurants down the block. great location. food wasn't so good in the cafeteria but the nuns really try to cook what you want.
* Food:	They had a lot of pork and seafood, not too much chicken and pasta or soup. The food was also not the best of tasting.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	bull fight, flamenco show, opera, salsa dancing, trips to the park, cable car ride, museums,
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Just never be by yourself. Always go out in a group. No vaccines were needed for this program although a lot of people developed either heat rashes or colds.
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?	50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I spent a lot of money on food. The metro is one euro which you take about twice a day, so plan on spending a lot for that.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Spanish Culture and Civilization
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Moreno
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	awesome, awesome, awesome. Was too fair in the work and quizzes he gave us. He taught us so much about the Spanish culture as well as its history. He's also an awesome, funny guy with a lot of history about him as well. Would recommend this class to anyone.
Credit Transfer Issues:	Talk to your advisors immediately once you return from study abroad.