Gaining Self Confidence in Spain Past Review
By Roseanne G (Cinematography and Film/Video Production., SUNY - Binghamton) for
University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I feel that I was greatly impacted by my experience abroad. It helped me gain greater self confidence and awareness. I now know so much more about the Hispanic world than I thought I did. I no longer confuse South American stereotypes with those of mainland Spain. I also have a greater appreciation for the diversity of the country.
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 |
My faculty leader was great. She always offered to be there for you and held 'office hours' at the school weekly. Beyond her though I didn't feel like I had many people to go to for consistent help or advisement. The school felt less organized than I expected. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My neighborhood felt safe. it wasn't in the prettiest area because it was about a 25 min walk from the plaza. The walk was slightly annoying to get to and from class and walking home from going out and night. I did not need to buy towels or sheets or cookware. My host family was very accommodating. |
| * Food: |
The portions were often too much for me. Also she cooked the same things constantly. We were served fried eggs and hotdogs at least twice a week. There is a great Kebab restaurant right off the plaza my roommate and I liked to go to all the time. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were trips to Andulucia, Galicia, and to a few castles. My favorite excursion was to Galicia. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did not have to experience Spanish healthcare although I had friends with ailments who, assisted by my program director, had very little problems. Also I felt safe in my neighborhood. I never had any problems. I could have taken a cab home if I didn't want to walk. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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 ate at home a lot so I tried not to spend money on food. Sometimes I went shopping but it can get pricey with the exchange. I'd say weekly spending might fall around 25 euro a week (including going out on the weekend). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you plan on traveling a lot invest in some sort of student travel card. The discounts can make it worth your while. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
All of my classmates were American and spoke English which was a disappointment. I had to go out on my own and find a language partner. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | People who enjoy being very social and putting themselves out there will do very well on this program. A lot of Spanish life happens during the night life and you have to be willing to go out there and experience it. |
