Perfect Past Review

By (San Diego State University) - abroad from 03/27/2015 to 04/04/2015 with

The Sea State: Playa Reina - Creative Nonfiction Writing - Surf Journalism

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Completely worth while. Opens up your mind and doors to incredible experiences that you know you must keep exploring deeper. It is an eye opening incredible experience!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A dream come true for study abroad opportunity

* 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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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? 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? Spanish 5
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? Sometimes the opportunity for language practice can be easily overlooked due to translators and other people that think would understand better. The awesome thing is that the locals are just as willing to speak to you and love when you try and converse with them. Equally, they enjoy trying english and you also get to know so much more of the culture by conversing and learning from the locals themselves.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Surfing
  • Culture
  • Learning about local sustainability
* What could be improved?
  • I think everything happened exactly how it is supposed to.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was very well-prepared and ready for this experience. That is a thank you to the Groundswell Leaders and Professor for preparing us.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.