Spain: Finally seeing the world Past Review
By Crystal M (Biology Major, Texas A&M - College Station) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Just because the United States is the "melting pot" does not mean one has seen the world just by being American. If there is a chance to see the world, by all means, take it! There are many ways to view the world. This experience has helped me open up my mind to new possibilities. The traditions are different, the schooling, the hobbies, healthcare, politics, sports...
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload is reasonable for the time frame. Projects are not hard and require a minimal amount of time. The grading system is typically on a 10 point scale, not 100. The educational system in Spain differs from that of the U.S. Students have the chance to develop skills for a career at a very early age in Spain. This is a concept that is explained in any Spanish Culture class. It is very interesting! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All expectations were met and exceeded. Administrators showed great enthusiasm. For the most part, administrators kept the group together |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was treated like a daughter by my Argentinian host mother. Her son was also very welcoming and respectful. The learning of cultures was mutual between host parents and study abroad students. Everything was available and I had to only buy personal items. Everything is in close range- school, clubs, shopping centers... Walking distance is reasonable to any location. |
| * Food: |
My host mother is an amazing cook! Spanish food is also great. Tapas are such a treat!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are always festivals, carnivals and special events going on across Spain. Traditions vary from community to community. The diversity is breathtaking. Even if the program does not arrange a special event, the opportunity to experience the event is always present. Professors will understand if a day is missed of class due to a special event taking place. During my stay in Spain, the first Monday (if I remember the day correctly) of class was cancelled due to Corpus Christi- a festival celebrated in June. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I myself did not need to seek medical attention. I did see, however, that other students in my program were guided step-by-step when they needed medical attention. Students may get sick while abroad; I saw it frequently. Study abroad administrators were always there to help. |
| 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? |
The language was practiced all the time with the host family. Many people did know English, but not fluently. It was a great way to learn Spanish more easily, by trial and error. There is no better way. |
| 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? | Anyone interested in learning Spanish should consider this program. Whether it be starting fresh with the language or improving it. I saw improvement in each and every one of my fellow program/classmates. |
