Spain offers a truly memorable experience that is unlike any other. Past Review
By Madalyn L (Biological Anthropology, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
My study abroad experience was definitely one worthwhile. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn about Spanish in a new environment. Being in Spain taught me so much about all different aspects of their culture and helped to appreciate the language and become even more committed to fully learning it. I wish to return one day as I realize how much there is left to learn and see out there.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Poetry of Federico Garcia Lorca, History of Spain, Spanish Art |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, the classes were very different from classes at my home university. The atmosphere of the classroom was very laid back and I found at least one of my professors to seem rather disinterested in the subject he was teaching. The classes took up a lot of time during the day, and many times I found them to be unproductive hours wasted inside. I found the most effective way to learn the language and become fully immersed in the culture was to be outside, in the streets and engaging in conversation with locals. The classes were interesting at times and I appreciated the manageable amount of work that was handed to the students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host country program administration was very accommodating considering the ratio of students to administration. They were competent and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The first two weeks I was placed in a hotel that was safe and comfortable. The last four weeks I was placed in a single dorm room. Besides the unbearable heat, the dorms were great in terms of safety and maintenance. |
| * Food: |
Food was one of my major complaints, as my dietary restrictions limit me to virtually vegetarian meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The excursions were very enlightening. Special events planned by the program, namely bullfights and flamenco dancings, helped me to not only experience but appreciate the culture of Spain. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe at the university I was staying. There was a doctor whom many students consulted when they felt ill or had other troubles. Overall, healthcare and safety was up to par. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | Each week varied in terms of amount of cash I spent on food and personal expenses. Some weeks I did more shopping than others. I could spend up to 75 euro on food or virtually nothing. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Unanticipated expenses would include the airline fees for overweight luggage (fees I had to pay even though the weight of my luggage was in the acceptable weight range provided by the program itself). Ty to eat at least two meals at the dorms and maybe go out for a nice dinner or lunch. This will save money since the cafeteria food is all free. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I found that besides the American students and professors, very few people spoke English. And those who did speak English tended to avoid English dialogue in attempts to improve our spanish. It was easy to find people to interact with in Spanish as we were constantly surrounded by Spanish-speaking people, both on and off campus. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | If you are a beginning Spanish student, push yourself to take classes that will teach you at least the basics of the the language and maybe even a history class that will provide background on the country and ultimately help build a stronger appreciation of your surroundings. |
