An Absolutely Amazing Life Experience Past Review
By A student (International Business/Spanish, San Jose State University) - abroad from 09/19/2011 to 06/16/2012 with
University of Burgos: Burgos - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Too many things....I will never regret or forget this year and I am so grateful to have had the chance to go. :)
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Had to find my own housing. It was tough, but a great life learning experience and I ended up loving my apartment |
| * Food: |
Spain has delicious food :) |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone is super friendly...I feel I would have learned more if I had stayed with a family |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Burgos, even at the very beginning when I was by myself. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
|
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Less than 100 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out a lot and do research. Budgeting is not hard in Europe. Use websites like ryanair.com, easyjet.com, hostelworld.com, hostel.com, tripadvisor.com. Topdeck...Bus2Alps. Don't be afraid to ask locals for advice |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| 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? | Spanish 101A |
| 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? | Find any way to speak the language before going over...it is not just about the grammar. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are not fluent in the language...live with a family and do an immersion program for a semester. If you feel comfortable enough with the language then choose 1 of the 2 or if you are feeling brave just throw yourself into their culture and see how it goes. |
