Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sol Education Abroad gave me a once in a lifetime experience studying abroad! Past Review

By (Morgan State University) - abroad from 12/26/2017 to 01/13/2018 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cultural awareness is one of the main things I gained from this experience. I still keep apart of Granada, Spain close to my heart and on my mind. I am not aware of how different cultures are and how they might be all over the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration and faculty were always available when needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family made living in Spain for 3 weeks very welcoming and comfortable.

* Food:

The food was AMAZING!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I experienced culture shock my 2nd day in Granada, Spain. The cultural immersion activities and the reassurance from faculty helped me become more confident about socializing and enjoying the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the the doctor in Granada, Spain from being sick. At first, I was intimidated and worried about being sick. My program coordinator and director made the process feel just like at home. She was there to translate for me so I knew exactly what was going on. She also helped me get medicine. I was very satisfied with the services and felt confident in feeling better.

* Safety:

Overall I felt safe, 90 percent of the time I was not by myself. If I was, I was always aware of my surroundings.

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

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)

I actually expected to spend more in Spain. I ended up spending under my budget with over $200 left over when I returned to the U.S. My host family offered breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily even without our request.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I though I would need more U.S. dollars but I actually needed more Euros. I found myself tuning out of euros by the 3rd week.

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? 3rd year High School Level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn how to use the language doing every day tasks before coming to Spain. This will help you feel more comfortable throughout every day tasks in Granada.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Culture Imersion
  • Staying with a Host Family
  • Taking a class
* What could be improved?
  • Distance from school to Host Family Home
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I am not sure.

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 Urbanite
A 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.