An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Bilingual Elementary Education, Illinois State University) - abroad from 06/03/2013 to 06/29/2013 with

University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to practice and perfect my language skills so much. It was the best experience for me to learn.

Review Photos

University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

My host family was wonderful!

* 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)

Transportation between cities can get very expensive unless they are planned before..

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400, train rides
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan where you want to travel before... so you can search for cheap train tickets... and not scramble last minute

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? LAN 213.15
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Language Practice
  • Weekend Trips to Locations
  • Structure
* What could be improved?
  • Planning Weekend Trips better
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How The metro system works in Madrid.. little intimidating

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!