"Spain: An Experience You'll Never Forget!" Past Review
By Lacy S (MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES., University of Central Florida) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
This program was all worth the while! Not only did I improve my Spanish, but I have memories to cherish from that place for the rest of my life! What a beautiful and culturally significant place!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program was awesome! The school was only a 5 minute walk away from our residence hall and there were always planned optional activities for students to engage in or free time for themselves! Staff was friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. The courses were challenging, yet fun. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Campus-excellent! Beautiful, private, and calming. Professors were fun, lively, and challenging. Class size averaged at about 8 to 10 students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The residence hall provides a beautiful and charming room and includes a maid who makes the bed and cleans up each morning while the students are in class. Breakfast is also provided. No problems with hot water or any other issues at all! |
| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian and I had no problems in food choices provided by the school or local restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our UCF group had the opportunity to go to Morocco for three days. This was an exciting and memorable adventure. Students are free after classes to do whatever they choose. I loved roaming the beaches and window shopping. The kayak trip and volleyball game were also fun activities that the school planned for the students. We also celebrated a local holiday called "La Noche de San Juan" on the beach, which included food, drinks, music, and the chance to speak with professors and staff in a non-academic setting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Nerja and while our group was in Morocco, our guide kept a close eye on us and had a security guard follow our group as to ensure our safety. I did get sick briefly, but it was handled properly and quickly. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Spanish was used 100% percent of the time in the classroom, depending on the student's individual needs and language level. One could also use the language while dining or shopping- it is all up to the student. Most people did speak English, however, other foreign students were studying at the same time so Spanish was used to communicate between different travelers. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is for open-minded, culturally-sensitive people who enjoy traveling, learning, and challenging themselves. Go with no expectations and be prepared for an experience of a lifetime! |
