Climate Change in Spain: A contoroversial beginning to a promising program Past Review
By Mack W (Music, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Climate Change Capstone in Spain
Spain is a beautiful country and I would not hesitate to go back again, however teh course aspect was not good. I did not enjoy being lectured all day. Some of the class items of discussions were redundant. But like I said, I'd do it again just for the experience of being abroad.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Jack and Carol were very informed on the course. However, there was a lot of negativity and passive aggressive behavior that did not benefit our experience. The organization was executed well and our days were very busy with many activities that were benefitial to our trip. The only problem was the rude behavior and somewhat arrogant demeanor that was displayed by our faculty leaders. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every day was filled with travel to amazing places. Places that come to mind are: La Alhambra, Asturias in general, The Gugenheim in Bilbao, the Prado, the park in Madrid, Olive Oil Museum, tapas bars, Wind farms, solar power farms. I have nothing bad to say about the places we visited. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The cities were fairly safe, however while in Oviedo, after talking to some locals we found out that we were in close proximity to a rough neighborhood. We had actually spent a night out there and had not been informed until after. Maybe if there was some research on the neighborhoods surrounding our hostels, we would be better suited on where to hang out, since it was imparitive that we go out at night and experience the night life in Spain. |
| 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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would advise students to get to know the professors before they agree to go on the trip. The faculty is hard to work with at times, and brought the energy of the group down at times. Also I would suggest that you go to Spain with an open mind and be prepared to be very busy for two weeks, and remember, you may not be able to ever get back there so make the best of whatever the situation is!! |
