Spain: A view of the past for an appreciation of the future! Past Review

By (Biology, Biochemistry, Spanish and Ethics, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 05/22/2015 with

University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely gained more fluency and a greater understanding of cultural differences. I wholeheartedly believe it was completely worthwhile, even with the things I didn't like so much!

Review Photos

University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

The Spanish food was wonderful, but I had to pay for it all as my host mom rarely cooked anything authentic from the region. Additionally her food was always a bit questionable to me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up getting a couple infections due to a cold and the health system was fairly easy, if you could speak Spanish well enough. They did get me the right antibiotics quickly and it was cheap so I had really no issues.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 dollars

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? 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? Survey of Spanish Lit. (3018)
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? Reading and watching TV really helps.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The scenery
  • The use of Spanish
  • The ease of traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Host family pairments
  • Choice of Professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The drastic differences in their meal schedule. I am on medications that require my eating at regular intervals and it was really difficult to get used to their meal times. Many times i'd have to skip my medications.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!