Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantástico Past Review

By (Quest University Canada / Outbound) - abroad from 11/15/2017 to 12/21/2017 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a fairly good amount of Spanish in one month. This experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For the beginner program I had fantastic teachers. My only suggestion for improvement is that I could have been pushed a little harder with homework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program administrators were very helpful and always available if I had any questions about the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was incredibly hospitable.

* Food:

My dietary restrictions were well accommodated by my host family.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn’t feel incredibly integrated with the culture but this was mainly due to my ineptitude with the Spanish language. All the more reason to keep practicing ;)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Granada felt incredibly safe. I had no apprehension at all wandering around the city.

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

Sol had very organized administrators, well selected host famillies, and excellent teachers.

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)

Granada was a very good place to live as a student. Most of my expenses were related to going out for tapas. If you really wanted to save here you could do it quite easily.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $85
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you’re going to travel outside of Granada for weekends and holidays try to find a cheap hostel in advance on Hostel World.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French Immersion 12
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? Speak in class and with your host family as much as possible. These are very comfortable places to practice. As your confidence develops try practicing in resteraunts and stores.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Teachers
  • City
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • More encouragement for studentss to speak Spanish on program excursions
  • Avocadoes, I should have eaten more of them
  • Beginner students could be pushed harder on homework (just a note to pass along to the school administrators).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don’t expect too much of yourself, learning a language takes a lot of practice.

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!