¡Muy fantástico! Past Review
By Ethan (Oklahoma City University) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 07/28/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Oh yes it was worth while. I feel like I have more of an appreciation for different people's way of life now. I have always been pretty accepting, but now I have moved past acceptance to understanding.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was by far the best choice I have made. The education I received was really good, but it was a challenge. I knew that the classes were going to be taught in Spanish, but it never really registered until I got there. The school day felt long at times, but nothing I was used to being a dance major. Homework was not too much nor too difficult, but studying is a requirement. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Edu and German were the best people for this job. It was so good to work with them. They truly cared about the students. Many students had some personal things to deal with, and both Edu and German helped the students through it and work out a solution. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best host mom ever. Living with kids was better than no kids. The food was amazing. |
| * Food: |
The home cooked meals were a lot better. Tomato and olive oil are used in everything, so you will learn to like them both. Sea food was not away the best, but there was some I did enjoy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I felt like I got my money's worth for the most part. The activities were great. The family was amazing. The faculty was helpful. It was a great experience. |
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) |
It helps living with the family that cooks all meals for you. If you eat out and live up the social life a lot, you will need much more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $120 a week |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Int. 2 |
| 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? | With your host family and go out to get to know the locals |
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? | Spain Spanish is very different from Mexican Spanish |
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.' |
