Beautiful romantic spanish experience -- traditional and breathtaking Past Review

By (Undeclared, University of California - Los Angeles) - abroad from 07/01/2014 to 07/18/2014 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my own ability to communicate in Spanish and live within a different country with very different cultural expectations. I developed an appreciation for southern Spain and learned a lot about the beauty and history of the area. It was definitely a worthwhile, thrilling journey that really opened up my eyes to the beauty of the Spanish language and the Spanish people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy drinks! And get free tapas :)

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish
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? Just try to have conversations with fluent, local speakers. Don't be afraid to ask questions and advice from people on the street -- they want to help you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Really fun, beautiful outings
  • Took the time to teach us the history in a fun, engaging way
  • Allowed us to connect with locals
* What could be improved?
  • More ice cream breaks!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You are way more ready for this experience than you think you are. Getting out of your comfort zone can be really so amazing. Just try it. It's only a little while, and when you come back, you're going to miss every second of it.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.