Past Review
By stephmgr (Accounting, New Mexico State University) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
My study abroad experience was very worthwhile. I learned so much about myself as well as on my view of the world. I recommend everyone to go study abroad, it opens your eyes to many things not just academic wise. Like many other people I was use to the American life but after being in Spain I began to question many aspects of the American life. In Spain they take care of their things and their environment and we take all those things for granted. I got to experience a whole different culture and absolutely loved it. If I had the chance I would do it all over again.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not find the classes to be difficult. The grammer was the most difficult part for me. I was not use to using the vosotros form. Some of of the words are similar but have different meanings in Spain. We did not have homework everyday and when we did, it was not hard. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
One of the program's strength is that the classes are small and each student get plenty of help and attention. It was also easier to learn and get involved. The administrators were also very helpful with any questions we had about school or the country itself. They were flexible in placing students in the class that worked best for us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved Ronda and my host family. Ronda is a beautiful small safe little town!! There is not much nightlife aside from a few bars but there is plenty to do. I also enjoyed living with my host family. They were extremely friendly and helpful. They also taught me the history and aspects of the Spanish culture. |
| * Food: |
The food is very different from what we're use to eating here. They eat more healthy, lots of vegetables and lots of bread. Their portions are also smaller then what were use to. I think their food need a little bit more flavor. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our program organized a trip to Sevilla. This trip was a great experience not only because Sevilla is a beautiful city but also because we had a tour guide who give us plenty of history on Sevilla. Another activity we did was a party at one of the bars. It was for all the students and professors. We got to know each other better and make new friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Spain for the most part is a very safe country. People are always walking around the streets late at night. I always felt safe in Ronda , it's a very calm city. Of course the bigger city have more crime. I did not feel to safe in Madrid or in Barcelona. Mostly because there is lots of tourist there. So thieves usually are around the tourist places and the subways. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's better to use a Debt card and take out enough of cash at least for a week or pay with credit cards. This is the best way to get a better exchange rate. If you exchange cash, they charge at most places and the rate is always much lower. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My native language is spanish but it was still difficult to understand them at times. I learned plenty of words I did not know before. They also speak their spanish more proper then they do here. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a great program if you just want to learn Spanish. If you already know Spanish I would suggest to look into a more intense program. I would also only recommend the summer session. Overall they do have great professors and administrators. They were all very helpful. |
