Should have stayed longer Past Review
By Taylor H (LaSalle University) - abroad from 01/31/2015 to 02/28/2015 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned how much I love traveling and meeting new people. It helped me decide what type of career to pursue.
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. |
The only issue I had with the classes was that I asked to be moved up a level within my first week. My professor wouldn't let me even though I told her I had already learned the material we were learning in my placement level. Others in my class found it challenging, but the activities were fun and my professors knew how to keep everyone's attention. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing! I stayed with a roomate, we shared a room, and our host mom was so helpful with everything. |
| * Food: |
If you're a fan of ham and cheese, then you will love the food in Spanish homes. I, however, am not. I loved most of the food my host mom made, except when it was ham and cheese. And, of course, the Pastelerías are ALWAYS a great option. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
When we went out we stayed mostly with our group of Americans and went to places with English speakers. There were chances for intercambio- spending time with a Granada native, but other than in the classroom and at home, I didn't speak as much spanish as I had hoped. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roomate was having difficulties with her recurring health conditions. Our host mom was not home at the time so I had to call German- one of the directors- and ask him what to do. He came and picked her up immediately, took her to the doctor's, and stayed with her the whole time in order to interpret for her. |
| * 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) |
If you go out every night, as you are going to want to do, the cost does add up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
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? | 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? | Do intercambio, talk with store owners, and talk to your host family as much as possible |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Going abroad is very scary at first. I was 17, knew no one in my program, and was traveling to a foreign country by myself. But once you're there, it's the most amazing experience. I wish I had stayed longer. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
