Best College Experience Past Review

By A student (The Catholic University of America) - abroad from 06/03/2018 to 07/06/2018 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

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

I was very impressed with my fellow students, especially those from Texas A&M who made up the majority in my cohort. Their values and ambitions were very solid and a welcome change from students I know from non religious eastern elite schools.

Review Photos

Study Abroad in Spain! Programs and Reviews! Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Exactly what I was looking for.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	German Casado was outstanding in providing personal attention. He really cared in making sure that each student was well taken cared for. When he wasn't sure of the answer he called the HQ at Sol and had me speak to the director. Many adm people would not go to that length of effort.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	They were perfect. Each of the 3 of us had our own rooms that were meticulously maintained. Our host mother (Encarni Gutierrez) was incredible. The way she cared for us was great. Nothing was an inconvenience for her, even if we forgot to tell her we would not be home for lunch. We were spoiled.
* Food:	Our host Mom was a great cook. I am lactose intolerant and she prepared meals special for me.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Eduvirgen Lizana is first class all the way. She is the perfect combination of ensuring people follow the rules while displaying true understanding when things go amiss.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I had no health care needs
* Safety:	always felt safe
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes It all came together in Granada. At age 68 I am a non-traditional student and it did not matter in the least. My host family and roommates treated me like an older brother rather than their parent or grandparent. Granada is a fantastic city as was the University setting. Sol Education and their staff could not have been better. Everything was VIP treatment.

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Realize that some people have more money than others and don't copy them if you don't have the resources.

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?	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?	Intermediate
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?	Do like my roommate did and date a native.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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?	Attention to detail by Sol Education Acceptance by host family and other students Level of education at CLM
* What could be improved?	CUA approved fall and spring semesters at Granada with Sol Ed Confusion with CUA School of Arts and Sciences where more hours are required than at other Departments. What rational is it for this Dept to have different rule?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	The number of students that would have stayed longer.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!