Learning Past Review
By A student (Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General., Winona State University) - abroad from 08/31/2013 to 05/22/2014 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and I have a much higher appreciation for the Midwest. I also learned I want to live abroad, but in a larger city.
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. |
Classes were absolutely dull and didn't provide a rigorous experience for me. |
* 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? |
No
|
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? | If I went out, roughly 25 euro a week, but I had to eat with the family because I was charged an extra $3,000 I wasn't expecting to be charged. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up more than you feel like you will be spend before coming. There is always something new to do. |
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? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300-level |
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? | I would say find Spanish friends, but that is harder than it seems. So, try and travel within Spain taking blablacar or use couchsurfing to meet people. Definitely go out of your way to find intercambios. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To bring spicy food and more clothes or money. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Featured Program Providers