Educational Past Review

By (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/25/2014 to 05/15/2015 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what is like to not to be able to communicate everything that I want. It was extremely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not difficult but effective

* 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? No

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? $20 at max
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't carry a lot of cash with you. If you don't have it, you won't spend it. Eat with your host family, it saves money and helps with language immersion.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Middle school 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? Participate in intercambios as early as possible. Great way to meet people and practice language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People on my program
  • Program directors (Noelia and Edu)
  • Professors at University of Granada
* What could be improved?
  • Better aid in meeting locals
  • Excursions moved so as not in the rainiest time of the year
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to have an amazing time. I wish I had come in with a more positive attitude as opposed to more frightened.