A Month of Life I Will Never Forget! Past Review
By Erica Olson (University of Arkansas - Little Rock) - abroad from 05/31/2017 to 07/01/2017 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Being fully immersed in the culture is something I could not have imagined previously how it would feel or be. It was incredible! Sure, it was a bit nerve-wracking in the language department because I wasn't the best or had much experience at all speaking in Spanish, but I am so glad I was given so many opportunities to practice and use it! Also, experiencing the country's features and lifestyles was such a unique experience. Nothing in my own prior experiences could even compare! I loved it so much that I look forward to going back!
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 actual education was phenomenal! However, one issue I encountered was the placement exam. I felt that I was inadequately placed. I had been told of course, this was based on my test results, but the professors were unwilling to move me up. In the end, with minimal effort, I received 9's and 10's in my courses. As previously stated, fantastic professors! But my one slip-up really cost me any kind of rigor whatsoever. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
They are a fantastic and very well-organized program! They know how to host the students, provide support, and offer |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go overboard in purchasing souvenirs. It adds up quickly! Also, seriously utilize your homestay's food. It allows for not only the cultural experience of home-made meals in that country, but also a good time to socialize and learn more with your family! |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Spanish II |
| 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? | Expose and immerse yourself to the culture. Go explore! Take a taxi! |
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? | 0 |
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 goes by in the blink of an eye. Get lost and have the time of your life, but also challenge yourself in the academic/language areas, too! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
