Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Experience Past Review

By (College of Notre Dame of Maryland) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was one of the best experiences I've had. I was able to learn about and live in a culture I have always wanted to know more about. Living in a country gives you a perspective that you do not necessarily get in a classroom. There is nothing like being in the center of it all.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed 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)

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? 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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Our teachers were great!
  • Field Trips and Weekend Trips
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I learned that it is important to throw yourself into the culture and language, even if you are afraid. The more you do that, the more you get out of the experience.