Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Full Cultural Experience Past Review

By (History, Texas A&M University - College Station) - 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 gained a greater sense of independence. After traveling without the help of my parents and living in a completely different culture, I have much more confidence in myself. While there were times where I definitely wanted to come home, overall I would highly recommend studying abroad.

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?

Having each meal provided was a huge bonus of the homestay living situation. Additionally, there was laundry that was done by our host mom and we had our own room and bathroom!

* 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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you can, do a homestay or stay in a dorm with a meal plan option. This gives you the incentive not to eat out as much. Also, make sure and research different deals for food around the city. Always check discount websites when planning trips outside of Granada as well!

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? Intermediate Spanish I
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? Talk to your host family and find friends that are from the host country. Myself and a few others joined a church while we were there and became friends with Spanish college students through the church. This helped us have more opportunities to practice our Spanish in a more realistic setting than the classroom.

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?
  • Friends
  • Organization of university courses
  • Social event in Granada
* What could be improved?
  • Weekend trips
  • Communication about availability of courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I did not have to worry as much about taking classes in another language. If one works hard and attends class then he or she will be successful. While the classes may seem daunting, I was more than capable and learned a lot about Spanish and about the subject being taught in the classes.

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!