Past Review

By Michele A (Philosophy, Politics, and Law; Political Science, SUNY - Binghamton) for

University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile. I gained so much from it (besides a little bit of weight). I learned to relax and go with the flow, how important it is to make connections with your host family or people that are bending over backwards for you, a stronger American identity, more appreciation of my home university, culture, food, friends, and family, and a greater desire to travel and learn about different languages and cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month
The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	In hindsight, I learned a lot.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Sherri was awesome at getting problems solved, listening, and giving advice and support. The only warning I would give to future students is that she will talk your ear off--don't go to her office hours if you plan on making it to your next class!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with a couple in their mid-60s, who also had their daughter and grandson visit every day. <br /><br /> I had an amazing host family, and a nice apartment in the most beautiful location that was central to the main part of the city and the old city.
* Food:	There isn't much variety in the foods, but I enjoyed them. The most important thing is to speak up and tell your host family when you particularly like or don't like a certain food.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Overally, it was a lot of fun!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Health issues were squarely taken care of by health insurance, by our host families, and by our faculty leader. I felt very safe, particularly in the area that I was in. In other parts of the city, however, several other students got mugged walking back at night.
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?	Periodically bought 5 euro calling "recargas" for my international cell phone. Snacks at 5 euros/week. Only had to refill toiletries once or twice (recommend bringing own shampoo, etc. since bottles are smaller there). One meal out per week at 15 euros. Churros/wine/anything at cafe 5-10 euros. Three nights out at bars/clubs per week = 20-25 euros. Most money, however, was spent on traveling outside of Salamanca.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	I spent more on my cell phone than I thought (35 cents for a call, 15 to send/receive texts, and charges more once balance under 10 euros). Book plane tickets as far in advance as possible since rates climb readily. The water in Salamanca is healthy and drinkable, so refill a water bottle instead of paying lots of money for water. At a restaurant, order the plate of the day, which includes everything for a set price--it will be much cheaper, even if you order fewer items separately (there is also no tipping in restaurants). You will spend money going out: cut corners by buying wine from Carrefour, collect the "free drink hearts" for Kandavhia, go to Atahualpa on Thursdays, go to open bars during the week, take advantage of euro shots at the Chupiteria, and drink specials like the 12 for 5 at Gatsby's. Don't take too much money out with you if you plan on being drunk, because if it's in your pocket, you will spend it.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	Make friends with people that want to speak the foreign language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Go with the flow! Let go of your fears and inhibitions, and allow yourself to make a fool of yourself by imitating the locals, try a food you never thought you would like, and explore Salamanca. It may be a small city, but there's a lot more than you realize at first. Take advantage of the Rebajas if you're there beginning of the spring semester--that's as good as prices get, and there are good deals. Get to know your host family, and ask a lot of questions, and let them correct you. Most importantly, go out and have fun! The workload is not heavy outside of class, and you should be going out at least on Thursdays and Saturdays, if not doing something every other day of the week. It's a very international environment and has great nightlife. Don't get too bogged down in schoolwork. Make sure to visit the sights in the Old City. If you're a girl, it's difficult to walk in heels on cobblestone streets.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Lengua Espanola
Course Department:
Instructor:	Vanessa
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Listening to Spanish songs and going over the lyrics was a great way to learn Spanish. She was very nice, but did not have enough control over the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I don't think so--just need it for Global Studies Minor

Course Name/Rating:	Historia de Espana
Course Department:
Instructor:	Elena Natal
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Very interesting. Learned a lot, although she could be very in-your-face, repetitive, and slow at times.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	European Union
Course Department:	Economics/Political Science
Instructor:	Miguel?
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Learned a lot about the EU, even though the class itself was easy. A lot of fun, as well.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Current Spain
Course Department:	Economics/Political Science
Instructor:	Jose something
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Although he didn't allot enough time for the presentations, it was the best part of the course. I learned so much about current Spain.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	International Marketing
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Boring. Hard to understand the professor, who couldn't understand why we weren't more engaged in class. The case studies were very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: