Spain: Challenging Conversations, Lasting Friendships Past Review
By Jennifer S (Journalism/Spanish, Indiana University - Southeast) for
Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain
Yes, my experiences were worthwhile. I got to realyl study the language, have conversations, and great trips with amazing people.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was 5 hours of class every day and there was still homework and papers to write at night. It seemed like a lot for such a short amount of time, but was worth it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
No one told me that the program was offered in a 4 or 8 week segment. I would have enjoyed and benefited from teh 8 week program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt very comfortable with my family, although I couldn't really understand my host father. They made delicious meals and did try to include me in conversations. |
| * Food: |
I'm a very picky eater, but found all of the food (save for my very last meal)to be amazing, incredible, and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoyed visiting the different areas of Alcala, as well as taking school trips to Toledo, the Don Quixote route, Barcelona, and Valencia. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe, even walking back to my host family's place late at night. Keep in mind general precautions that you would take walking or traveling in any foreign city, at home or abraod. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who has a general understanding of the Spanish language and is looking to further their knowledge of the Spanish culture and language. |
