Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unexplainably Wild Past Review

By (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/26/2018 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

  • 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?
  • My family
  • My professors
  • Where my program was!!
* What could be improved?
  • Go somewhere else other than Cordoba
* 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).