Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was a fantastic experience and one of the best decisions I ever made. Past Review

By (Hospitality Business and Spanish, Michigan State University) - abroad from 06/30/2013 to 08/27/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my spanish and learned how to adapt to new environments and new cultures. I really stepped out of my comfort zone and it was totally worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? 40 euros

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? Intermediate
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? Spanish classes in High School and One University class at MSU
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? Try to refresh yourself on your vocabulary and simple verb conjugations. It will make communicating so much easier if you review the basic spanish knowledge that you already learned.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 excursions and activities
  • The financial value of the program.
  • My host family!!
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between host family and Program Director.
  • Better planning of activities I had to miss a few because it was during my class time.
  • Reduce the amount of walking.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The extreme heat of Granada during the time I was there. Also that during the summer the city of Granada is very deserted because many Europeans choose to travel during August and often close up shop.

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!