Amazing. Past Review
By A student (Spanish and Sports Science, Loras College) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/03/2013 with
Universidad De Santiago de Compostela: Santiago de Compostela - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I definetly improved my language skills, but I'm a lot more independent now. I learned to rely on only myself. I'm a lot more open- minded and am even more so intrigued by other cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I would not have had the same experience without a host family. My language abilities were improved much more in the home rather than in class. I gained the most culture from them. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was great being in a small city. In the bigger/ touristy cities, everyone knows english. I was forced to learn spanish because it was harder to find people fluent in english. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never needed to utilize health care, but I was aware of the process if I had needed it. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt threatened in Santiago--no matter what time of day, even when walking alone. |
| 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) |
You didn't need to spend money, but I suggest saving as much as you can. Going out and to restaurants and traveling makes it more worthwhile. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Put away as much as you can and try not to shop before you go. Don't buy new clothes to bring abroad because you can always buy it there. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I spoke spanish 100% to my host family. Not everyone in the community can speak english. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPA350 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Watch TV and force yourself to ask questions if you don't understand. Don't respond "si" to everything. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more logistics of where I was going and my host family. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
