A Year of Wonder Past Review

By (International Business/Spanish, San Jose State University) - abroad from 09/19/2011 to 06/28/2012 with

University of Burgos: Burgos - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I literally feel like I grew up during my time abroad. Traveled all over Europe by myself, got to live on my own and create my own community. Definitely would do it again!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just make sure to budget yourself accordingly, taking into account any exchange rates. My trick was just to round up all of the time. I used cash as often as possible in order to limit myself.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish for Native Speakers
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? Just throw yourself out there, even if you are wrong or you mess up all of the time. People will understand and will be more willing to help if you make the effort to speak their language.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Flexibility: we got to pick everything out ourselves
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between home university and students abroad
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To be very patient! And always be prepared and to not be afraid to talk with the professors.