Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Eye Opener Past Review

By (Walt Whitman High School) - abroad from 06/13/2013 to 07/14/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I expanded my spanish which was excellent for my high school career. This trip was definitely worthwhile! I made so many friends not from Spain because the students were not in school but it was still great!

Review Photos

Study Abroad in Spain! Programs and Reviews! Photo Study Abroad in Spain! Programs and Reviews! Photo

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.

* 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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you manage how much money you are spending on gelato and at restaurants. The waiters will know you are a tourist and try to charge you more.

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

SO MUCH BETTER AT SPANISH!

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 4
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? Speaking to your host parents is the best way to learn. Do not restrict yourself to only talking to your roommate. It was amazing to be able to talk to my host family at the end and being able to understand almost everything was the best thing that happened.

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?
  • The Arabic Baths
  • The Hikes
  • The Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • the last week
  • the instructors being more organized
  • some of the activities were not that interesting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More spanish.

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!