Amazing Experience in Spain Past Review
By Lindsay M (Spanish w/Business Concentration, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
Universitas Castellae: Valladolid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was a great experience. My knowledge of the language increased immensely through the trip, and would do it all over again if I could! The only thing I'd change would be to go for longer!
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. |
This was a summer program, so it was less formal than most of the classes I took in college. The work load was manageable, and the teaching methods, while different from whose at UW-L, were very good. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They couldn't communicate with students because they didn't speak English, and they were not very helpful solving foreign students' problems. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host family was really nice and really supportive of helping us learn the language. |
| * Food: |
Our host mom was a GREAT cook. We ate well every day, and I loved it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had such a great time, was able to make friends with local residents, and had a really great experience in terms of exploring the country and enjoying social situations. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe in Valladolid almost the entire time. It was hard feeling safe all the time in other cities, though; especially in Madrid. Travel in groups! |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The teachers were good at encouraging it, but the real way to do it was to force myself to speak Spanish the whole time, even with other English speakers, in order to be totally immersed. |
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?
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? | DO IT!! Study Abroad is a fabulous experience, and a great way to learn a new language. DO IT! |
