The Best Ever Past Review
By Shadana C (Texas Southern University) - abroad from 05/28/2015 to 08/15/2015 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned that time is more valuable than money. The things I've learned and experienced through a different culture is something I won't ever forget.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were awesome and really invested in your learning process. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
German is the director of the program in Granada, Spain and he was a very great host. He made sure all the students were comfortable and well taken care of. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were great. I lived with a husband and wife and their two small children. |
| * Food: |
The food was great, I lived with a younger family so they weren't as traditional as most Spaniards but the overall food was still delicious. I was really able to get a taste of Spain when I visited other restaurants. My favorite Spanish dish would have to be Paella and probably a Spanish salad. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local culture was fun. I will admit I felt a bit awkward the first week of my stay being from the southern part of the United states and always having people speak and smile at you in public. However in Spain it is a bit different people aren't as friendly in public. After living their for a couple of weeks I got adjusted to the culture and felt right at home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No major health issues. Anytime I was sick and under the weather I was able to go to the local pharmacist and get some medicine. |
| * Safety: |
The country was extremely safe. I was able to walk alone by myself at night. |
| 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) |
I stayed in Spain a little longer than the average student so money was very tight for me. In the near future, I would definitely budget a little more money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 15 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be sure to budget per week about how much money you may need depending on your stay. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I definitely learned more than the little I already knew. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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? | None |
| 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? | Listen and watch TV in Spanish using the subtitles, it helps a lot |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have read more about Spain before traveling. |
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. |
