Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the most wonderful experiences in my life! Past Review

By (Blinn College) - abroad from 05/30/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture and Spain in general! It was completely worth it.

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.

I think that the Academic aspect of this program was successful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Sol Education was a magnificent host. They were helpful with every aspect of the program and we could always count on their support and professionalism.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was extremely satisfied with the great apartment Sol was able to provide for me.

* Food:

Food in Spain was delicious! All markets were close by and easy to access.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I adapted to the way of life immediately. Would move to Granada if I could. The culture is vibrant and everyone seems to enjoy life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have to use this while I was there, but one of my students did and she received competent medical care. Clinics have a different schedule than ours in the United States, so they are closed from 2 to 5 pm, but then open until later ours which was great That was different.

* Safety:

The only thing about Granada is pickpocketing by some members of the population, so we did have an incident. We were advised about this before we came. It think it was due to students not been careful enough about their surroundings. It is a shame that this occurs but at least it does not involve physical violence. Other than having to watch out for our purses all the time, everything else was fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would love to continue teaching with Sol Education Abroad. They were very professional and excellent hosts. From the moment I arrived until the moment that I left I felt welcome to the country and their program. They did an excellent job dealing with our students and the instructors and I will always continue to recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad. I had a wonderful experience with Sol.

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)

Easy to afford.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A resonalble amount. In Granada, food is very affordable.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat at host family's house as much as possible.

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

As an instructor, this was one of the main points of the program. I am an instructor so the following questions do not apply to me.

Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use it as much as possible especially with the host family and with student partners. Use it with instructors as much as possible as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • the people
  • cultural experience
  • the food
* What could be improved?
  • maybe teaching at university classroom if we have a larger group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How wonderful it was going to be!

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!