4 months of ham, cheese and churros! Past Review
By Alyssa E (PSYCHOLOGY., Rollins College) for
University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes! I came back almost fully fluent with a new understanding of a completely separate culture from my own.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was exceptionally easy but I learned a lot of interesting, new and helpful information. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Paco was absolutely incredible. I feel like I would have been lost without him. My host mom was alright but she was not very warm and welcoming and I really didn't have the opportunity to get to know her or spend quality time with her/her daughter. It was good to have a small group because we were able to arrange travel together and have a good, close-knit support system. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
At times she would only feed me soup at dinner and it was not nearly enough but I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask for more to eat. The quality of food in general, however was good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met a lot of locals and foreigners between classes and going out at night. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe walking around Oviedo at 3am. Never an issue. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say that I spent around 100 euros a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The amount of coffee you will drink especially if you go to an internet cafe. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 201 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced language with my house mom, a designated conversation partner and everyone else in the city since English was rarely spoken(if ever). |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Have an open mind from the moment you get on the plane because nothing will be like what you are used to. |
