Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

50/50 Experience Past Review

By (Grand Rapids Community College) - abroad from 05/30/2014 to 06/28/2014 with

Travel & Education: Salamanca - University of Salamanca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was very worthwhile, as far as personal growth is concerned. I was able to learn from both the positive and negative features of the trip. While being exposed to a new culture, new language and people, everything can be a bit overwhelming but welcome those feelings, they are only temporary and teach you a lot!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living and having purpose in another country.
* What could be improved?
  • Language immersion, there was more English spoken than Spanish.
  • Allow more time for students to explore Salamanca on their own time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how immersed the program would've been, as I expected more immersion. I was also concerned with the small amount of time we had for ourselves.