An enriching and unforgettable experience Past Review
By Victoria (Wagner College) - abroad from 07/07/2017 to 05/26/2017 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned an exponential amount of Spanish, as well as lived with native Spanish people, so I got a first hand experience of their culture.
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. |
I took culture classes all in Spanish. I learned a lot, and the teachers were very patient if I needed something repeated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I truly felt like the directors were like family. They were very easy to talk to in Spanish or in English and they always did the best they could to ensure we were having a god experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I could not have asked for a better host family! We all became so close, living with my roommate, my host mom and her two daughters. They were very patient with me and my Spanish, and we still keep in contact even after we moved. |
| * Food: |
My host mom cooked all of my meals for me, which were unbelievable. She worked as a cook, so I go to experience very authentic Spanish meals everyday. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They offered many exchange events so you have an opportunity to go and talk to some native Spanish people. At first daunting, to befriend someone with whom you don't share a language is very beneficial for all parties. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Honestly, I didn't need any health care attention because I made sure I was caught up on all my appointments and medication before I left and I was never sick or in need of a doctor. My roommate seemed to have an easy enough time when she went to a doctor and prescribed medication for a cold, and she also didn't have trouble picking up over-the-counter things like pain killers and contact solution. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe at all times in the city of Granada. I never heard any stories of students getting into trouble while I was there, as long as you stay together when it gets dark. It is best to use implore extra precautions when traveling outside the city in which you are studying. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved all of the directors, and my host family felt like a real flesh and blood family. The friends I made there I will keep forever, and I learned so much Spanish I was very satisfied. |
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) |
Studying abroad is never cheap, but the good thing was that my room and meals were already paid for. If I needed to stay money, all I had to do was not eat out and shop less. The more money you have the more activities and traveling you can do. Unlike other programs, I didn't worry about starving if I ran out of money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On average, $100 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I definitely recommend budgeting your money by week. Try to book any trips as early as posible, because your chances of saving money is greater. |
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 |
If the directors knew you wee more advanced, they would insist on speaking Spanish with you, which I really enjoyed. Most of the host moms only spoke Spanish as well, but my friends who came knowing minimal Spanish, it just took a little time but they were able to converse easily soon after they got there. The mothers are always very patient with what you want to say. |
| 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? | I had taken Spanish all throughout middle and high school, and 3 semesters in college. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I loved using the app duolinguo, because you could play games on the go to quiz you on any aspect of the language. When I got there, I found that watching Spanish tv shows were very helpful because they also taught me about their culture and slang words. |
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? | It might seem really overwhelming at first, but just give it a few days to a week and it will all seem a lot normal. |
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. |
