Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad is SPECTACULAR!! Past Review

By (Corporate Communication, University of Houston) - abroad from 05/24/2014 to 06/28/2014 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater understanding of why language can deffinitely be a barrier. There is a need to expand our thinking and become a lot more sensitive to other languages, cultures, and ways of living.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family were the most amazing people!!

* Food:

Home cooked meals everyday,did a food tasting course with the program as well. It was delightful!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It's the same as if you were going on vacation. Be aware of your surroundings, have all the emergency contact information, and just be smart about being out and about in a new area.

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)

I made sure to budget while there. By doing so, I got to experience other cities and countries as well.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Many cultural activities
  • Great networking oppurtunities
  • My directors were wonderful
* What could be improved?
  • Little more organization in activities
  • Pre departure contact should be increased
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would want to turn right around and get back to Spain for a little more time.

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 Urbanite
A 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.