The best experience of my life Past Review

By (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 05/15/2016 with

UConn: Granada - UConn in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and how to be independent. It was definitely worthwhile

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was housed a little far from the center of the city and from others in the group so I had to spend more money for the bus and for taxis but the family was wonderful, she was super nice and thoughtful and ways made sure I was comfortable.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Our director never brought us to the healthcare center to help the sick students, and when they went it was all out of pocket because for some reason they couldn't bill the insurance directly and some people had to pay hundreds of euros up front. One girl got bronchitis at the beginning of the trip which never went away, but other than that no one was really sick 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)

I had to buy snack food for in between classes every day because it was not provided in the food costs of the program and my host day did not have any that I could take. Other than that it wasn't too expensive to go out for drinks with friends or to a cafe to study.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Don't speak in English to each other, always practice the language you're there to learn

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

  • Americans
  • Other
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?
  • Classes
  • The people
  • Living in the city
* What could be improved?
  • The director of the program wasn't very good
  • Location of some of the host families
  • More freedom
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I wasnt going to like Spanish food very much

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.