Good experince but needs improvement Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language and Literature., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/12/2014 to 08/12/2014 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid, Spain
Spanish history
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
A lot of the host families were rude and didn't make us feel welcomed. There were a couple of host families, however, that were very nice. |
| * Food: |
Great food! Paella and other foods(like tapas) are absolutely delicious |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We definitely came into contact with the historical aspect of Spain, but I felt like we missed out on other important cultural events like dancing (flamenco), castanuelas, the bulls, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Extremely safe! I could go out until 4 am and still see TONS of people walking around and having fun |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Europe is EXTREMELY expensive, be prepared! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at home&take lunches with you, it'll save you a lot of money! |
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 |
History class- no Spanish used at all, the entire course was in English |
| 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? | 300 |
| 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? | Hang out with people that have more advanced Spanish speaking skills than you, a lot of native Spanish speakers will be more than glad to answer Anny questions or just have a conversation&help you |
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? | 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? | That most of the families were extremely rude to the students |
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.' |
