Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great semester of growth and learning. Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/08/2019 to 04/26/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile and I gained so much I don't know where to begin because living in another country gave me a new perspective about how other people live, encouraged me to travel more and of course transformed my Spanish language skills.

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.

Antonio Fernandez was really a very poor professor and even worse, he was in charge of the program and the go-to person if we had any problems. Of course, if our problems were with him (and mine were) there was no one else to go to. He was shockingly vindictive to both me and some of my classmates despite our best efforts to perform well in his class. His behavior was the last thing I would expect from someone who wants students studying abroad to feel comfortable and enjoy their experience. UAH-IF would do well to re-evaluate his status as he does not belong in a classroom.

* 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

I would though I of course would avoid Antonio's classes.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home as much as possible and you'll be fine!

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
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? 300 level Spanish course
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? Spend time talking with your host family or seek out other Spanish students and make friends.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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?
  • Host Family
  • Proximity to Madrid
  • Outlets to practice Spanish outside of the classroom
* What could be improved?
  • Antonio should not be in charge of the program, you have Javier right there...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I shouldn't have taken Antonio's classes.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.