It was definitely a summer I will never forget. Past Review

By Kelsey W (Elementary Education, Samford University) for

University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

Yes, my experience was absolutely worthwhile. I gained precious friendships and memories that i will never let go. I learned how to live on my own, and I learned that I can live on my own, and be independent. I gained an appreciation for other cultures, and a new view of the world. I also have a greater appreciation for my country as well. It was definitely a summer I will never forget.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Summer 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I learned a lot and, I loved my teachers. They would go out of their way to make sure you understood everything.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They were very kind. and helpful whenever we needed them.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	In Madrid, I loved my host mother. I could not have asked for a better one. In Salamanca, I was not very happy with the family I was with. We had many people living in one house with 1 bathroom, and the same food all the time. <br /><br />
* 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:	I surprisingly felt very safe everywhere I went.
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?	I didn't spend much on food because i ate at my house for most meals. I just spent money on extra things and souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Everything in Europe is way more expensive.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?	I was pleased at how much i really learned.