Enriching Once In a Lifetime Experience! Past Review
By Ayesha K (Spanish Language, Literature, University of Houston) - abroad from 07/30/2017 to 08/18/2017 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned a lot about the Spanish language and culture. I love to travel and traveling abroad was a wonderful experience because staying with a host family truly immerses you into the authentic Spanish life. I gained a different perspective and appreciation for a culture, people and language that is different than mine. I gained invaluable experiences living in Granada and exploring on my own, and learning the language. It was worthwhile and I wish I could have stayed longer.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were fun and I learned a good amount of Spanish and about the culture, but they were not very organized and there were some issues with one of the teachers who had a bad attitude and personal problems. The class was not structured very well because many teachers were going on vacation in August and the students were not told how they were being graded and what their exam was like. But, the main teacher I had was very fun and energetic and I enjoyed my time in class. We would get off topic a lot and I think they could work on the structure and organization, especially in the month of August where in Spain they go on vacation. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our on site directors Edu and Herman were wonderful! Edu was particularly helpful and readily available. She was very sweet and caring and was always checking up with us! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved our host family! Everything was great about the family and the apartment aside for the fact that it was very very hot and the air conditioning in our room in particular was not working and the fan did not do much to combat the heat. That is the only thing that made our stay uncomfortable- everything else was great. |
| * Food: |
We ate 90% of our meals at home with our host mom and she was a great cook who always made dishes we liked! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated with the local culture. Walking everywhere and getting to explore on our own- on top of all of the excursions through Sol was truly an enriching experience I will never forget. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt Granada was quite safe even at night, but it is still important to not be alone (at night) and be aware of your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose the same program because I feel as though I did not get enough time. I would recommend every student to go for at least 4-5 weeks because in 3 weeks everything is still new, you are adjusting to the classes and going on several different excursions - so a lot of activities are packed into that short amount of time. I would suggest going for longer so you can really immerse yourself in the city, culture and learn properly. Especially for the classes 3 weeks was a very short time to be tested because we barely had enough time to properly and fully learn concepts. So I wish I went for longer. |
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? | I would say about $50 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to eat at home more. I know going out can be fun, but you quickly realize that spending that time with your family over a delicious home cooked meal is invaluable time, and you save 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 |
The teachers 100% made us speak in Spanish, and our host families did as well. When on tours, the directors did not always enforce that as much because all the kids were on different speaking levels but I wish they had encouraged it more. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| 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? | Don't slip! Try your best to speak the foreign language as much as you can even if you don't know how to say something, try using other words to describe what you're saying. Ask other people to only speak to you in that language and correct your mistakes to help you learn. |
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 know now that 3 weeks is not enough time and that August is the month for vacation in Spain. If I had gone for a longer time in July I think that would have been ideal because my teachers and classes would be more organized and consistent and I could stay for longer. |
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! |
