A once in a lifetime opportunity. Past Review
By Jason T (Criminal Justice, 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?
The trip was extremely demanding and should not be taken with the assumption that you are on vacation. If you allow yourself to open your mind to different cultures and ideas, you will see the world from a different perspective.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Only use cash since every credit card transaction will involve an extra charge. Only withdraw what you need since trying to convert money back to dollars will cost extra. Try to find a bank that has a deal with your bank to save money on conversion fees. Eat with you host family as much as possible since you have already paid for it. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermidiate Conversation |
| 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? | Engage others and try not to slip into a mindset that no one wants to listen to you struggle. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The classes were very demanding, and I was not prepared for that. Sleep should not be overrated, ever. I wish I had gone out and explored the city sooner rather than waiting until halfway through the trip. Staying out all night means you will miss half the day, and many museums and buildings of interest close early. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
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