I actually had the opportunity to live in the picture. Past Review
By Lorenzo Catalan (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 06/28/2016 to 07/30/2016 with
Travel & Education: Salamanca - Business Spanish and Internships
As abstract as it may sound, I learned so much about myself and who I was on this trip. I went to Salamanca to learn more Spanish and I did do that but there was so much more learning outside of the classroom. Everything on this trip was worthwhile. This was honestly an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.
Review Photos
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. |
The courses were difficult but I believe that the challenge to the courses made the learning more valuable. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone on the administration side of the program was so helpful and caring. They always have your best interest in mind and are always there for you whenever you may need them. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was completely satisfied with my living arrangements because my host family was very kind and often asked if there was anything that I needed during my stay. |
| * Food: |
I was also very fortunate to have had a host mother who worked as a cook, therefor our food was phenomenal. Everything was so well prepared and authentic. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I believe that I may have felt more comfortable in the local culture because I am Hispanic, meaning that although Spanish culture is different than Mexican culture it was not a complete culture shock. The people of Salamanca were very relaxed and so nice, it is a great city to study. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Although I personally did not have any health issues that needed to be addressed, many people within my program did get sick and their health issues were resolved or looked at within a day. The staff in our program were very on top of everything when it came to making sure that we were healthy. |
| * Safety: |
I think the city of Salamanca is probably the safest city I have every visited in my life. The cultural respect there is beyond any I have ever seen. Many people have a misconception of Spaniards and them being rude because they do not use please and thank you as much but this is only because they have so much understood respect for one another that other people do not understand. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my program so much. The students I went with were so like minded in their goals and ambitions for life. We all bonded the very first day that we met each other. I believe I have gained friends for the rest of my life from all across the united stated. The people in my program I believe we vital to having the experience that I had. |
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) |
Within my program many of the costs were upfront so I did not have to pay for many things such as rent or food and the only things I was expected to pay for was anything extra that I wanted but it is relatively affordable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 20 euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you do not want to spend money, do not bring it out with you. Also, make sure you document any amount of money that you spend. Do not use cards such as credit or debit because they can make money feel superficial and it is easy to lose track of spending. When you are planning to spend money, take only the amount necessary so that you do not over spend. |
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 |
Everything from the moment we arrived in Madrid was in Spanish, the program was full immersion. This does sound very intimidating but there are other people to help translate and having everything be in the language you are studying makes the learning go so much faster when you need to use it. |
| 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? | High school Spanish class |
| 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? | Do not stay at home. Go shopping, go to restaurants, go places. Yes, they will understand that you do not speak the language but they are so friendly and patient with you. Talk to people and start random conversations. Many people love foreigners and are very interested in your culture and what it's like to live in America. They would love to talk to you and are patient when you cannot think of a word. My best advice is to just speak to people and do not be afraid of sounding stupid. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More about cultural norms and things not to do in public. |
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! |
