Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great experience for my first international travel Past Review

By (Blinn College) - abroad from 05/13/2019 to 05/22/2019 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a tremendous amount of historical background about the various cultural influences of the Iberian peninsula. Some of my preconceptions about European culture in general were confirmed and some were overturned. I was fascinated by how the architecture (particularly the close streets) of the cities took me back to a different time and place.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

If were single, then yes, I would. However, I missed my wife and three sons tremendously the whole time I was gone. I'd only go again if I could bring her along (but probably not my boys, as they are far too young still).

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? $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I brought some food from home and ate it a lot.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked the history the most.
  • I also liked how busy we were.
  • The food was great.
* What could be improved?
  • The flight was long, but there's really nothing that can be done about that.
  • A hotel with a pool would be nice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't know. I had a really good time and just soaked it all in; this was my first experience 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 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!