Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience In Spain Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - Binghamton) for

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I loved being immersed in the language and culture of Spain. I think the best way of learning about a country is to go there, and I learned a great deal about the history of Spain. My speaking and understanding of the Spanish language also increased dramatically. I am so happy with this experience, and I would recommend it.

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

I enjoyed the dorm and living environment where I stayed. I thought the place was run very nicely and organized. If I could change something, I would change the food schedule so you could have a little more time to explore and be able to get back in time for lunch/dinner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing in the Colegio de Mara was a great experience. It was extremely hot, but that was expected. I enjoyed my room because I had privacy, but I was very close to all my friends as well. I also loved the proximity of my classes. <br /><br />

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved exploring and experiencing all Spain had to offer.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My bag got stolen in Barcelona. The only thing I would say is that in the orientation, that issue should be addressed very strongly, because although I could have been more careful, maybe that extra advice would have helped.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food was the only issue that I had because sometimes while you were out you didnt want to go all the way back to the Mara to get the free food, so you bought it where you were. Also, on the Malaga program you needed to have money to buy one meal on your own. Additionally, France you needed to buy food as well.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

Although I was learning a lot in the classes that taught in Spanish, I think I learned the most while I was talking to the inhabitants of Spain. When I needed directions and when we went out to eat was the most valuable practice I got in my opinion.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I loved this program a lot. Although, I went on both the Malaga and Madrid program. I highly suggest going on both, because Malaga was amazing, and I don't think I would have had the same experience with out it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Conversation C2241
Course Department: Spanish 250
Instructor: Francisco Ortega Ponce
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: My professor was very knowledgeable and made the class a lot of fun and a great learning environment. I liked the class size because it made me participate more and feel more comfortable overall.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Conversation - Business Content
Course Department: Span
Instructor: Dr. Orlando Moreno
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I learned a lot in the course. It was great practicing listening, reading and talking spanish. I think I would have liked a smaller class size.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Art M2020
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I enjoyed this class because of the museum visits and the amount of history that I learned throughout the course. It really made me appreciate where I was.
Credit Transfer Issues: