Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Past Review

By (Exercise biology, University of California - Davis) - abroad from 06/30/2013 to 08/30/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was one of the best of my life. I learned so much about the language and culture, but also a new perspective on my own life and my goals for the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes in Spain were much different than Spanish classes in the United States, but I learned so much more in 4 weeks than I ever have before.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sol Education Abroad took us on so many activities and made my feel at home on my study abroad adventure.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents were awesome!

* Food:

My host parents provided me with traditional and delicious dishes.

* 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)

It was pretty easy since all meals and housing was provided for in the program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30.0
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to find scholarships to help with expenses.

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

My directors encouraged the participants to learn and speak Spanish in order to immerse ourselves in the culture.

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? AP Spanish Exam
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? Practice speaking the everyday language, not just the formal language you learn in school.

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Immersion into the culture
  • Helpful and amazing directors
  • Cultural. fun and informational activités
* What could be improved?
  • Help with transferring credits back home.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know so much more not only about the language, but also about the culture and how the people live in Spain compared to the United States

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Intermediate Spanish
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: Yes. Make sure you know that your units will transfer and get concrete answers on how to transfer credits before going abroad.