Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The semester I plunged myself in another culture and made new friends. Past Review

By (Eastern Kentucky University) - abroad from 01/21/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile. My Spanish has grown considerably. And if in the future I choose to live abroad or travel abroad again, it will be because of my experience with Sol.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned an incredible amount while I was here with Sol. We have classes at the CLM that teaches history, culture, and language. Every Sol excursion also taught us more about the history and culture of Spain.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were fantastic. They were always friendly and willing to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Sol puts its students with host families. The families are always extremely friendly and willing to work with the students. Be prepared to likely have a roommate however (which isn't a bad thing).

* Food:

Tapas. Do I need to say anything else.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very much, I had native Spaniard friends that I met with often. I usually met them at intercambios Sol recommended.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Granada is extremely safe. I never once felt in any danger.

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

What I enjoyed most about Sol is that they took care of as much as they were able (paperwork wise) and were always on site. If we had any problems we could go to them and they regularly sent out advice on how to enjoy Spain.

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)

Granada is an extremely cheap city. I did not feel stressed about fiances while I was traveling. (Though that experience differs very much from student to student depending on what choices they make.)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Varied from week to week but I'd never say more than $30.

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

We were always encouraged to speak Spanish, amongst ourselves and with the directors.

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? 300 level classes
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? Try to always speak it. Even with other English speakers who are responding in English, make your side of the conversation in Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • That we were immersed in the culture.
  • The directors were always on site.
* What could be improved?
  • It would have been cool to have a program excursion to another country, Portugal or Morocco.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done this early in my college career.

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!