Inclusive Past Review
By Iris Miller (Western Carolina University) - abroad from 08/30/2019 to 12/20/2019 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much about other cultures and how to travel efficiently. I also learned so much about myself and obviously the language. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The school was challenging but very well manageable. I really enjoyed learning so much. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors of SOL were so on top of things and so very kind. I really loved all of them. (There were three) |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived a bit far away from the school, but all was well because I loved my roommate. |
* Food: |
The food everywhere was so affordable. But the food at the host family was a little rough a couple times. No big deal though. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was hard meeting Spanish people but SOL had a lot of activities planned for you which was awesome. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Amazing!! As I said the directors were on top of things, so when I came back from Morocco with a stomach virus they went to the doctors with me and helped me translate and get the right medicine. |
* Safety: |
Granada is a very safe city. Obviously when traveling at night in the streets, be careful of your surroundings. I never ran into anything sketchy though. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would 100% chose SOL again because they are so well organized and affordable. |
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) |
Very easy, I did not spend much money a week on food or anything. Only thing that cost the most money were the trips. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Each week maybe 20? But if I was traveling over that, around 300. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I saved around 6,000 for this time. Just because I was there for a long time and wanted to travel every weekend. I was able to do 10 trips with this to over 6 countries. |
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 |
All the time. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
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? | Sophomore year of college |
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? | Try and make friends that do not speak English. And talk to your host family a lot |
Other Program Information
* 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?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | The process and what includes into getting a visa. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |