Interstudy Spain was Awesomee! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Because the instruction was given mostly in Spanish, I didn't get many opportunities to work with translations and students who were trying to learn English as a second language-which is the reason that I enrolled in the program in the first place. The grading system and overall classroom behaviors are much more rigorous and strict than back home in Texas. I feel as though American school systems tend to embrace individuality and extra-curriculars a little more than they do actual lessons. In Spain, it was the exact opposite!

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were definitely met when it comes to overall quality of a first-time Study Abroad experience! There were only about 15 students in my program this semester, which was rather comfortable, not chaotic at all. They had on-site translators and tour guides every day, which helped us get the best cultural experience of the area of Spain we were in! Representatives from my Host Country worked together with one representative from my university in the US, so all events were expressed to us.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood we settled in was about ten miles away from the metropolitan areas of our location, which kept the traffic and the noises away comfortably! For the most part, it was your typical college dorm, just with much tastier food!

Being of Spanish heritage myself, it was nice to indulge in some typical home-cooked meals while visiting restaurants in Spain!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In all honesty, the people of Spain were some of the nicest I have ever met! Everyone we asked to direct us a certain way or offer advice on attractions, gladly did so! Our hosts definitely got excited over the three birthdays that we had to celebrate back at our dorms! They burst out into singing and just made everyone else feel great. Every week, we were allowed to go into the city and shop and dine and just meet the locals, which made the experience very enjoyable.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Safety was never an issue while we stayed in Spain. Many people in our home country believed that Spain was going to be just as violent as Mexico, but it was the exact opposite! There are nurses at the university we stayed at, as well as a hospital about twelve miles from our dorms.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My Spanish overall definitely improved more because I had to use the language all day, everyday! Whether it was to go and grab a bite to eat or ask for directions or give literary speeches to children during one of my internships, Spanish was all I could rely on! When I didn't know the Spanish equivalent to an English word however, it was pretty much understood that I was just an exchange student.

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• Dorm

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• Americans