Spain: A cultural experience that enhanced my life. Past Review
By Danielle C (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - Binghamton) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
This experience was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. It was not the program that made my experience though. It was what I made of my time abroad.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The 3 hour classes everyday was a little intense but the work had to get done. I just wish there was more time to explore |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty were great but the Leaders of the program failed to inform us of time restraints and daily agendas on trips and tours and it was unmanageable to plan a day. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were not directly in the city and at night that played into what we could do, because the metro would shut down early. The neighborhood was ok, pretty residential, and the dorm like was good. Change of sheets and towel, but the food could have used more variety in all aspects. |
| * Food: |
Even though they tried to make accommodations, the options for those who were vegetarians or lactose intolerant were not sufficient. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Time management was not possible because of lack of communication. There was no "schedule" to follow or look at to plan your time away from campus |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
At no time did i feel unsafe and we were able to by insurance through the program |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | approximately $200-300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Europe is more expensive |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Some people spoke english, I was able to speak with people of the country and in my classes. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | those who intend on getting a better understanding of spanish language and culture |
