Por Si Las Moscas... Past Review
By A student (Biology and Spanish, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/06/2012 to 04/30/2012 with
Universitas Castellae: Valladolid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about myself, how I improved and really a lot of self-growth and reflection. Definitely worthwhile. A journey to discover oneself in their lifetime is always worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not too intense at all but the professors really knew their materials well. They are very relaxed and understanding when it came to course material. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great! They really worked right away for the most part to get things done and one on one. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I adored my family! They were quick to finish my sentences at times but it's a great way to learn the language hanging out with them in the evening. |
| * Food: |
The food was excellent however, way too much pork (I know it's very much a part of their culture) but I don't eat pork. I had to sacrifice that the time I was there to try their cuisine without being rude, but I'm back to no longer eating it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took me a few weeks (the people weren't very open to foreigners) but I met some locals through a friend and became more attached to the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues. |
| * Safety: |
Too safe of a city; no action of a superhero was needed. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Well, since I already had a meal plan through the host family, I still was broke when it came to extra costs. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | anywhere between $0-300. I traveled a lot. And shopped. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save your money for traveling, but budget it out well. Buy clothes, but only if you think you'll wear it in the long run. |
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 |
All the time. They would rather have us immersed in the public and culture rather than all day in class. |
| 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? | SPA 305; Literature |
| 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? | Speak, speak, speak. Listen to Spanish music, read in Spanish but find others to PRACTICE SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How to budget a little better so that I could have traveled around more. |
