Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not a great course, but a great experience! Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., University of Connecticut) - abroad from 05/17/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

UConn: Salamanca - Neuroscience in Salamanca, Spain - Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made a ton of new friends in neuroscience, which was valuable to me because my university has a pretty small program. I also got very self-sufficient and was able to travel under many different conditions. I became less self-conscious about my Spanish skills as we went on, which helped me to learn more. I also gained a lot more historical and contemporary knowledge about Spain and the other countries I visited!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Course expectations were ridiculous. It was a graduate level course but the resources we needed to succeed were provided too late or not at all. Professor seemed to be much more interested in going to tapas than providing help. Spanish class from the host university was great, though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Not a lot of protein. As a hypoglycemic that was a problem.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the clinic with a fluent Spanish speaker and received care immediately.

* Safety:

A person or two on my trip were pickpocketed but it was due to carelessness more than anything. I felt perfectly safe.

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)

Obviously, Europe is a bit more expensive than the states, but overall, it wasn't bad. Hostels were a great option for weekend travel!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $200, but I took a lot of weekend trips and such

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

Nearly all of us attempted to use Spanish in everyday life, even those of us who were far from proficient.

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? Intermediate
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? Always attempt to speak the language, even if you're awful at it. It's worth it! You'll learn a lot and people are usually very helpful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Location (great city!)
  • Freedom (you can basically do what you want)
  • Opportunities for outside travel
* What could be improved?
  • Neurobiology course format (more discussion, please!)
  • Attentiveness of professor
  • Food options (nix the dining plan--it was awful)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a lot of cash. Spanish restaurants almost never accept credit or debit.

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 Linguist
You 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!