Awesome study abroad experience in Temple's Oviedo program Past Review

By fiona.galzarano (Temple University) - abroad from 06/25/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

Temple University International Programs: Oviedo - University of Oviedo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned a lot about other cultures that let me look at my own life as an American from a different perspective. As my first experience out of the country, I would say it was definitely worthwhile.

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.	Formal learning is mostly restricted to the classroom, and the environment is laid back, yet encouraging. This gave us more time for the more meaningful type of learning: exploring the city and living as a Spaniard.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	They made you fill out a survey to make compatible matches. If you have any problems with you host, go to Jaime immediately! He will take care of you.
* Food:	Jaime treated us to dinner once a week, and he always picked fantastic restaurants. My host mom's cooking was also delicious!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It was a bit difficult. Since it was summer, there were a lot fewer Spanish students our age around the city. I didn't really make friends with anyone who wasn't also an American study abroad student. I did spend lots of time with my host mom, though. Also, the locals could tell just by looking at you that you weren't from there.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Oviedo is extremely safe. It is typical to stay out well past midnight, and you don't have to worry about street violence. We spent the first week in Madrid, and that had more of the big-city feel. Watch out for yourself while in Madrid, but you can let your guard down in Oviedo.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)	I actually kind of wish I had spent more on touristy stuff! My host mom always made sure I had something to eat (unless I chose to go out with friends for dinner), so I only had to spend money on food when I felt like it. Jaime took us out to restaurants when we were in Madrid.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Keep track of the Euro to US$ exchange rates!

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	We spoke Spanish during class and when ordering food, etc., but most of the Temple students spoke English with each other. It was somewhat necessary, though, since we represented a large range of Spanish language skills.
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?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	2096
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Hotel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students
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?	Jaime The food Bonding with the other Temple students
* What could be improved?	I wish there were Spanish students/locals our age, but that can't really be helped since I went in the summer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Make the most of your time and get out more while in Spain, because the time will pass by quickly and who knows when you'll be able to go back.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Spanish Culture and Civilization
Course Department:	Spanish
Instructor:	Jaime Duran
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	As the first course I took taught in Spanish but not strictly about the Spanish language, I found this class very interesting and educational. Jaime talks us through about a thousand years of Spanish history, and gives us insight into the local culture. We actually got to visit a lot of the culturally significant places that he talked about, which was really cool. I highly recommend taking this course, as I felt it added to my experience abroad.
Credit Transfer Issues:	If you're from Temple, everything will work out fine.