Unexplainably Wild Past Review
By Lauren (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/26/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
My overall anxiety that I've had for years decreased. I think it was because I couldn't just wake up or go home I had to live through these days. I gained friends, confidence, a new language, and became more cultural and understanding.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Relaxed. We were learning even when we weren't in class. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I miss my directors so much. I trusted them with my life. They were the BEST. They would be there for us at the drop of a hat if we needed something. We were always informed of what was going on. They worked hard to make us comfortable. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I got extremely lucky with my living arrangements. I had one mother and two sisters. They really cared about me. I wasn't just a number like some of my other friends experienced. We all had meals together. My mom made sure I was fed and was genuinely interested with what I was doing during my days and nights. I miss them so much. |
* Food: |
I felt 100% healthier when I was over there. My mother was a cook as her occupation so she cooked up some good and healthy meals. When I think about it, everything was so simple that was made but it was so good. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very. By the end of my experience I felt just like a local. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My program was there for me when I got the flu the first week there. They walked me to the doctor where I went straight into the office to be looked at. Immediately I went to the pharmacy to pick up a medication and went right back home. I got two days off of school to rest. |
* Safety: |
I never ever questioned my safety. All of us walked home alone at night after we were done clubbing. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my program. I had a tough time coming back and trying to explain my stories because no one can understand how amazing and crazy it was to live them but 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) |
I was a special case as I kind of had unlimited money from my parents while I was there. I spent an average of $220 USD a week. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $220 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No. |
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 |
All excursions we were spoken to first in Spanish and then english. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
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? | Spanish 201 |
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? | Learn Spanish IN Spanish. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | To pack lighter (if you have the money to buy a new wardrobe when you get there). |