Best time of my life! Past Review
By A student (Texas State University-San Marcos) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 06/30/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much about being on my own and discovering something completely new! I also greatly improved my Spanish speaking and comprehension. VERYVERY WORTHWILE!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone in the administration was very helpful, kind and knowledgeable! They made the trip so much more worth it! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had an amazing host mom who accommodated to what we needed! If we had an issues we were always able to talk to her. My roommate was amazing as well! |
| * Food: |
The food was a different experience than in America so sometimes we had some adjusting but everything was delicious and we were always taken care of! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We experienced a lot of cultural activities and were also expected to live like the locals. Although our needs were accommodated, I felt very integrated with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very great health care. I had an issue with my foot and was very quickly brought to a pharmacy and everything was taken care of! |
| * Safety: |
Granada is a very safe city and as long as you use general common sense you should be completely fine! Our staff and host families warned us to be careful at night with pick pockets and to not walk home alone at night but that is simply a general safety rule and never did I feel unsafe in Granada! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program had everything that I was looking for and was so great about all of the processes! We had so many fun excursions and I learned so much! |
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 all depends on what you want to do! Night life and going was fairly cheap and worth the money compared to America. Of course, If you want to eat the fanciest thing on the menu and go shopping everyday then it is hard to live on a student budget. So much is included in the program cost that it was really easy to live on a student budget. |
| 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? | Do not get tempted by all the amazing things the city has to offer on the first week. Wait a little, take advantage of the time you have with your host family (this saves money because meals are included) and spread out all the money costing activities throughout the time you are there! |
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 always encouraged you to use and practice your Spanish! They even provided different activities that one could go to in the city that would help you practice Spanish with others! Very encouraging and understanding! |
| 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 Spanish 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? | Go to all the activities (or most) that the directors offer! They will help you practice Spanish and they will help you meet new people! |
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? | To not spend as much money in the beginning and to completely branch out. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
