The most rewarding 8 weeks of my life Past Review
By Kristina Gomez (Texas A&M University–Central Texas) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 07/28/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
This was my first time going abroad without family, or a friend. By going on this trip, and doing the things I did (traveling to different cities, countries, doing new things) I proved to myself that I can be independent. Not only that, but I also learned to adapt; adapt to a new culture, lifestyle, food, mentality. After this experience I get to take home with me the a deeper understanding and appreciation of culture, and widened perspective of the world and culture. This was by far the most worthwhile experience of my life! I would recommend going abroad with SOL to anyone who has a slight interest in learning more about the world.
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 placement test you take before getting your classes is very extensive in every area and places you in a level that suits your skill level. In addition, the professors are very engaging, motivating, and immersive. They really want you to learn and succeed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors were extremely helpful and were there to answer your every question and/or concern! They are there not only to be your directors, but also your friend. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Meals were always delicious, and my host-mom was always so sweet and flexible with my plans! My roommate placement couldn't have been more perfect, as we got along so well. |
| * Food: |
On my application I wrote that I preferred eating healthy foods, but still wanted the cultural Spanish food experience. I could tell that SOL paid close attention to my application because they gave me exactly that! My host mom was a very healthy eater and meal preparer, like me, yet still made me tasty, traditional Spanish meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Granada is the perfect place for a university student to study abroad. It is a small enough town to be able to explore and walk around to everything you need, yet it has a big enough feel to it. You are constantly meeting new people, trying new things, and going to new places. In addition, everyone in Granada is extremely friendly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never got sick during my program, but I had some friends who did. They went to the doctor with SOL at their side, and it seemed like there were no issues. |
| * Safety: |
Granada has always felt safe to me, and I had no incidents. Although, as a general rule for all towns in all countries it's best to always have a buddy with you when it's late, and have common sense when it comes to strangers! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
There are many things about SOL that I loved: the resources, the directors, the pre-planned activities, the homestay, and more. They literally do all the hard work for you and your job as a student is only to take advantage of them! |
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) |
Living on a student budget with this program would be very doable! You have all activities, food, and stay provided in the program expenses. Although, like anywhere, this changes depending on your shopping and souvenir buying habits. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | 1) You don't need that souvenir, too! 2) Save yourself the food money and eat at home, then afterwards go meet up with your friends. |
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 |
They would always speak to us in Spanish and encourage us to do that amongst ourselves too. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate II or Level 4 |
| 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? | 1) If you know someone who speaks fluently, use that to your advantage and practice with them 2) In Granada, seek out a relationship with your host family and converse with them a lot. This is where you will get the majority of your practice. 3) Be confidant! |
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? | The experience is what you make of it! Everyone will have a different experience with their homestay, friends, school, etc. and you shouldn't compare. Also, not to stress about the little things. Things always work out and your experience, memories, and relationships you make will last forever. Make the most of it while it's there in front of you. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
