Studying Abroad as a SOLmate! Past Review
By Benjamin (Missouri State University) - abroad from 06/01/2017 to 06/30/2017 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I gained life long friends and valuable experience that I can use in the future. The entire study abroad trip was completely worth it and I wouldn't want to go with any other program.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience was challenging but fun. I feel like my professors pushed me to become a better Spanish speaker. I gained valuable experience within the classroom and learned a lot about myself during the process. I was very impressed with the university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The SOL program was very helpful. The directors were life savors! They responded to any emails or phone calls immediately. They helped me with all of my questions and concerns and were so friendly during the process. I feel like SOL was very organized and fully packed with exciting activities and excursions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My home stay experience went very well. I stayed in an apartment in the center of Granada, Spain. My host mother and her two sons were so friendly and helpful! They made me feel included and safe, which I felt very grateful for. The food was amazing and I don't have a single bad thing to say about my housing situation. |
| * Food: |
I enjoyed the food provided by my host mother. She cooked authentic spanish dishes every day. I enjoyed coming home and trying something new almost every meal. It was also nice to practice my spanish at the dining room table with my roommate and her sons. The food in different restaurants |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt that the local people of Granada were extremely friendly. SOL provided its students with different activities almost every other day. I feel like I got a great sense of the culture of Spain. I loved practicing my spanish with the locals and learning about the history of Granada. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Granada. The streets aren't flooded with people and its more relaxed than other cities like Madrid or Barcelona. Although I heard pick pocketers were a thing in Spain, I never experienced any unsafe related issues in Granada. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program was well organized and helped me improve my spanish speaking skills. They were always there to help me with any questions and concerns. The program was full of exciting activities that I feel like other programs don't offer. SOL did a great job at introducing you to the culture and making it a fun educational experience. |
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) |
I feel like it depends on your spending habits and financial status. I spent about $150 per week. Some weeks were busier and more expensive than others. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$70 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would try and pace yourself. Create a budget and know how much you should be spending each week. I basically went to the ATM and withdrew two weeks worth of money at a time. I would then just budget myself to one weeks worth of money at a time. Just prepare and be organized with your money. |
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 |
All of the directors and program members spoke in Spanish 24/7. The directors would first speak in Spanish and then repeat it in English. They encouraged us to speak in Spanish during every interaction. |
| 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? | Spanish 205 (Conversational) |
| 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? | I would download different apps and games that can help you memorize vocabulary and grammar. I would also practice speaking in Spanish with your friends. (Even if they don't know what you're saying). You will loose it if you don't use it! |
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? | I wish I realized how hot it was going to be in Spain. I brought way too many un-needed clothes and jackets. I wish I prepared myself a little more about the culture change such as the heat with no air conditioning, conserving water and electricity, and drinking water all day every day. |
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. |
