A Unforgettable Summer in Spain! Past Review
By A student (University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 06/02/2018 to 08/17/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Studying abroad in Spain for eleven weeks taught me numerous things. I learned a lot about the Spanish culture and about my ability to integrate into it. It also taught me to be more independent and to be confident while doing so. I learned so many traveling hacks and ways to navigate the world. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other, it taught me that I am capable of great things.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a "host family" while I studied abroad in Spain. I say "host family" because in reality it was only a host mom. I would have loved to stayed with a family where there was two parents and children involved to learn about different family norms and traditions. Coming from a family of five, my house is never empty or quiet. In Spain, I would have enjoyed staying in a household where there were more people to interact with other than just a single person. |
| * Food: |
Spanish food was good; however, I was paired with two vegetarian roommates so my host mom would cook a lot of soups, vegetables, and salads. Eating out in Spain was great, but I dreaded eating at home. |
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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: |
Granada was a pretty safe city. I think it's easy to navigate and fun to explore. Taking a taxi was safe and inexpensive, as well as the metro. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If I could study abroad again, I would still choose Sol Education because they offered what I wanted for a the length that I wanted and at a reasonable cost. |
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 depends on your personal spending habits. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Anywhere from $100-$150 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a budget in mind before you go abroad, and also plan out your souvenirs so that you don't spend your money on so many unnecessary purchases. |
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? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Ask if your program or school offers language exchange events and attend them regularly because that is the best way to practice a foreign language and a good way to meet some locals. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Before going to Spain, I wish I would have known that not everything was going to be amazing. I went abroad with so many expectations in mind and thinking that I was going to enjoy every second of it. I wish I had known that I was going to have great days, good days, and bad days while abroad. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
