I CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!!! Past Review
By A student (Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/13/2014 to 08/12/2014 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid, Spain
I learned tons and tons of things, but one thing worth mentioning is how different the way of style is overt here. I felt like they enjoy every moment of their life and how even if we are different in many ways there is always going to be something that we are similar and then you come to the conclusion that we are not so different after all we are just in different place with a different lifestyle. I believe my experience was worthwhile and I would't even give it a second thought if I ever got the chance to go back.
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. |
My overall education experience was great; both of the professors who went on the trip and taught class were magnificent. They were very knowledgeable about the topics discussed in class. They were also available to help students at all times. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was good, but I feel it could've been a bit better. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were some of my classmates who were unlucky with their host families, but I absolutely loved my family. They were very welcoming with me, and answered any question I had regarding any topic regarding Spain. The family I stayed with was very helpful with both of my classes since he was very educated with both topics I was taking in school. |
| * Food: |
As a huge international food lover; I can honestly say I was exposed to many exotic and tasty food. I tried to try at least something typical of the area we were staying at. My family also did an amazing job at preparing typical Spanish dishes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had no problems integrating. The people were friendly and always helpful when asking for directions or any other simple question. Spain has some of the nicest people I've met. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall Spain is 100% safe! We were able to explore the city at any given time. I felt safe walking home from the metro at late hours of the night or really early hours of the morning. I never felt threaten or in danger while abroad. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30-35 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a back-up savings to your savings. It can get expensive if you're not careful, but also don't be cheap you are abroad so it all comes to priorities. Do all the things you can within your budget that you know you won't have the chance to do again for a very long time. |
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? | In the 400th level |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk with your families, professors and try really hard to speak to your other classmates in the tar geed language. If there are native speaker in your group speak to them and don't be afraid to ask for help. |
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? | How hot it gets over the summer and the miles and miles of walking each day. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
