Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Experience! but there were some problems Past Review

By (HISTORY., 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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being in a different culture and experiencing the culture first hand was amazing. I was able to see so many amazing places that I never would have had I not gone on the trip. However, I did learn that people can be very selfish and not take others into consideration which was difficult since we didn't know the country. There were many moments when I questioned why I was there. I would love to go back but on my own time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $50-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside plenty of money before the trip and don't count on financial aid because I know several people had issues.

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 231
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? Study as much as possible and take advantage of the language while there

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Being able to see all the different places.
* What could be improved?
  • Don't treat everyone as if they were level 20 Spanish students. Not everyone went for Spanish and it was difficult not being a major or minor.
  • Take the students to the palace or a history museum. We saw a lot of art museums which was great the first few times but after a while it gets boring. Have better communication. With a lack of communication it was very frustrating and felt like there was no organization.
  • Pair the students better with their host families. I know of a few that had an amazing time but others could have been better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much walking we would do, the details of the classes, and just more detail on everything. I feel we were not prepared well.