Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

10/10 amazing trip, a whole new way of traveling. Past Review

By (Southern Utah University) - abroad from 05/04/2017 to 05/18/2017 with

SUU: Psychology in Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
We really learned about how Spanish people viewed life and the reasons for their behavior. Also we learned to be curious about different topics and places. For example one professor always had me looking up different places we were visiting or different caveats of the culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A lot of the academic parts were pre-departure which was great because we could better enjoy the sights of Spain. Part of the assignment was to write a journal each day with a topic connected to psychology and the places we visited.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This was a faculty-led trip. We had five SUU professors plan everything and shuttle us around. They were all fantastic, so fun and engaging. Traveling around in vans through the countryside was so cool and we were able to take control of the trip and see different parts of the country that wasn't on the itinerary and special to the group in the van.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in either really nice hotels or apartments. In Barcelona we were around the corner from the Sagrada Familia, amazing. Every location was close to a bus stop or metro station.

* Food:

Spanish food is delicious and we got to try a lot of authentic and "ma and pa" type restaurants. We were required to cover most meals, but the programs also paid for quite a bit too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Already being fluent in Spanish it was easy for me to connect with people and talk to them. It was nice to compare Spain to Latin America where so much of their culture is influenced by the Spanish.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There weren't any huge issues but the faculty were helpful and aided anyone who needed help.

* Safety:

Just like traveling anywhere, you need to be safe and cautious. I had no problems, but some people were pick pocketed.

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

If the trip was offered in Spain again, no. If the trip was offered in another country I haven't been to, for sure.

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)

It was about two weeks so costs weren't too much. Europe is expensive and it depended on the extra activities people wanted to do and food they wanted to eat.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat cheap, buy souvenirs that are meaningful, treat yourself occasionally.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

If we knew the language, yes. If not, then try.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The van groups and exploring
  • The time the professor took to take us to awesome places
  • Two weeks packed of sights and tours, then the last days to relax at the beach.
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing I can think of really.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'