Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying Abroad changed my entire life! Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about another culture, which made me more aware of my own. I've changed so much in such a short period of time, and I would say that it was definitely worth the risk. All college students should consider incorporating Study Abroad in their curriculum.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Upon reporting my illness to Eduvirgen, she met me within the hour to take me to the clinic, where our visit lasted less than 30 minutes. I was provided with the medication I needed and was feeling better within the next couple of days. I was very impressed.

* 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? About 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save and budget. Treat money as you would at home. Save a lot of it and prepare for taking a type of vacation from work, taking into account all of the expenses you should be prepared for.

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? Spanish IV
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? conversationexchange.com is what I used to connect with Spaniards. It was the best way to make local Spanish friends and steer away from sticking with the Americans in the program. I made many new friends and practiced Spanish all of the time. Meeting as many locals as possible is truly the best way.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Host Family and Local Friends
  • Education
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Eating times-very difficult to adjust to
  • Providing incentives to encourage Spanish speaking at CLM
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing tip: Pack all clothing articles and purchase bathroom supplies, etc. once in the country of stay. This will save room and offer better variety of clothing.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!