Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great few Months! Past Review

By (Duquesne University) - abroad from 01/07/2008 to 05/08/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
After studying abroad, I became a lot more comfortable being independent and more comfortable in my own company. I lost the shyness, I would feel to speak in Spanish because I was proud to be actually living and surviving in Spain. It was the best decision I made, after deciding to go to university.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Interesting and dynamic classes, including field trips, which covered everything from Spanish History and Art to Grammar classes; all led by competent and accessible professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I did the program, the coordinator was Cristina Blanco and her assistant was Bridget Blanning. Things in Spain can sometimes not be as efficient, as North Americans may be used to, but Cristina is the exception. Extremely organised, attentive and professional. She and Bridget took an active role in my Study Abroad experience both in and out of the classroom.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was matched with a great family, that I am still in touch with to this day.

* Food:

I was extremely satisfied with the food at my host home. When we would go out though, it was a little annoying to find vegetarian food that was't just a salad or cheese.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did spend time with Spanish people and students, but the majority of the close friends I made are American.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually had to go to the doctor on two somewhat serious occasions and everything was efficient.

* Safety:

I have been fortunate and blessed enough to not have been in any dangerous situations. I have been followed twice and seen someone snatch a purse while the owner was distracted. Madrid is fairly safe, you just have to be careful and smart, as you should be in any big city or densely populated place.

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)

(3) It was ok. If you manage your money well, you can survive. Travelling can be affordable if u book in advance and travel in groups and share an apartment using AirBnb.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depends on the week.

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

5

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

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Professors and Staff
  • Location & Host Family
  • Friends and Classmates
* What could be improved?
  • More field trips or maybe a choice in field trips. It's easy to create an online survey and have potential students give their opinion in where they'd like to visit.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I'd fall so in love with Spain some days.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'