Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Introduction to a New and Beautiful Lifestyle Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/08/2017 to 08/06/2017 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I conquered some of the fear that I have when trying to speak in the language I am learning. I gained a lot of confidence. I also learned how to adapt to an environment and lifestyle that is very different from my own. I learned to use public transportation. I also learned about a lot of cultural aspects of the country.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was very sweet but she was also very verbally aggressive when it came to "making/forcing" me eat an amount of food that I do not normally eat.

* Food:

I was not impressed with much of the food that I had then entire trip.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't personally have any safety incidents. However I would say to make sure you keep your belongings close and in front of you, especially in big crowds. Also always be conscious of your surroundings.

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

I loved the program. The only thing that I wish was different is I wish my classes were with students that were not all from the same university as me.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 50-100 dollars each week but it was possible to spend less than that a week. I simply bought a lot of souvenirs and gifts for family and friends.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to ask family/(close friends) to help you with the expenses. Start saving early (Months in advance if possible). Possibly get an extra job until you save the amount that you want. Look for any scholarships you may be eligible for. Lastly if you really want to go and have no other options you could take out a small loan through the school for your classes and you may get a little back in refund money that you can use as spending money.

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

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? Spa 303. Advanced Composition and Grammer
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? If you go in a big group it's sometimes hard to talk in the language that you are there to study. With that being said, find at least one other person in the group and keep each other accountable to make sure when you are together you only speak in the language you are learning. Make friends from the country that you are in that speak the desired language. Go out to the stores and shops. Even if you don't want to buy anything look around and interact with the employees. Talk a lot with your host family (dinner, free time, an hour before bed). Watch popular tv and listen to popular music of the country in the desired language. Make an effort to actively participate in your classes. Lastly don't be afraid to mess up! If you are there to learn a language then you are most likely not perfect at it. People will have a lot of respect for you if you try and they will usually help you out if you are stumbling on some words.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The trips to other areas in the country
  • The activity that we were given the option to participate in.
  • The freedom (within bounds) to explore and full on experience the language and culture.
* What could be improved?
  • The classes.
  • Some of the host families.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that taking classes and having fun and experiencing the things the town had to offer would be as obtainable as it was. I spent a large portion of the time prior to the trip worried that I wasn't really going to get to go out much because I would be stressed over class work.

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!