The world has opened up for me mentally and culturally Past Review
By A student (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 05/15/2016 with
UConn: Granada - UConn in Granada, Spain
I learned more Spanish than I ever thought was possible. This really encouraged me to major in Spanish.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were many times I asked for help and was told instead not to worry about anything and that it didn't really count. I was unprepared for the lack of Spanish resources available especially when I am not fluent. There was only one level of classes that I could take and limited help if any. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing and my host family were wonderful. They made me feel as though I was part of their family and took very good care of me. The house was always clean and the food was amazing. I was very blessed to stay with this family and they truly made my semester unforgettable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A/ |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose to stay in Granada again but I would like a different experience with the director and additional help with my Spanish. |
Finances
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* 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) |
The only time that I spent more was on weekend trips but this included airfare and hotel expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not eat out every night and you do not need to buy a ton of new clothes in your host country. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The classes were taught in Spanish |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Span 3178 |
| 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? | There are programs called intercambios that were good to leave the language and speak as much Spanish with the UConn group as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The amount of Spanish that I needed to know to be successful in the program |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
