Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had a blast and would recommend it to everyone! Past Review

By (Spanish Education, Miami University) - abroad from 01/07/2014 to 04/30/2014 with

Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much culturally and within the language, and would definitely consider it worthwhile.

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 classes were very interesting and rigorous, but the professors were also very accommodating and helpful!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program administrator, Cristina Blanco, was always available for us and extraordinarily helpful. She was such a great cultural guide, and was so excited to be there!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was so welcoming and supportive. They truly cared about my time spent in their country, and wanted me to have success in my language growth.

* Food:

Staying with a host family, they fed me three times a day, and the food was very good. Being a picky eater, they were very accommodating and willing to change their menu to fit my needs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always felt welcome in Alcalá, as well as other parts of Spain. Local residents were very friendly, and treated me and other students as they would any other native.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to a health center twice, and both times they were very easy and accessible. My host mother went with me both times, and helped me with any aspects I was unfamiliar with. It was very similar to what I dealt with at home. There were no serious health issues in Spain that I had to deal with.

* Safety:

Alcalá was very safe. As long as you use common sense when out and about, there isn't much of a problem.

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)

It was pretty easy, because all food was included. The only thing I really had to pay for was trips, which can be very cost effective if you do your research.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I really only paid for random snacks when I was out, so maybe 20 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to do enough research before you book any trips, so you can find the most cost-efficient ways of travel.

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

We were always expected to use Spanish when with any program officials, and encouraged to use it in all other aspects, as well.

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? SPN 381
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? Listen to your advisors and use the language as much as possible. It is extremely helpful.

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
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?
  • The city
  • The people
  • The school
* What could be improved?
  • More information before arriving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The time will go fast, so enjoy every moment.

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!