France & Spain: Culture Shock in the best way possible Past Review
By Kelly M (Apparel Merchandising, Illinois State University) for
Study Abroad Programs Worldwide
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes extremely, gained confidence, learned so much about the other cultures, traditions, saw some of the most amazing places, etc. Enhances my love for fashion and other cultures and makes me that much more excited to continue on my academic path and pushes me to work hard to get to where I want to be when I'm older. This trip will open up a new mindset in my head and push me to do whatever I want and I will always take the experience with me.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | France and Spain |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
our teachers were great, only there for ten days/did not enroll in foreign university |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
be open to trying new foods and enjoying the new experience of tasting new things! |
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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: |
always stay in a group, teachers were extremely helpful with students, no real health problems |
| 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? | only there for ten days, overall spent around 400 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | BE CAREFUL AND REMEMBER THE CONVERSION! it can be confusing and one may not remember that it's more money US dollar that you are spending, dont' bring all of your money out at one time |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| 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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* Who did you take classes 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? | if you are interested, DO IT! I was nervous at first but it's totally worth it and I will never forget this experience. Be open to try new things and really try to immerse yourself in the culture!! It's all what you make of the experience so go out and see everything you can, stay awake and open your eyes to everything around you. be careful and safe, make smart decisions. overall, just do it and have the time of you life. |
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