Salamanca: Summer, Siestas...& School Past Review
By Sarah M (Biology & Spanish, Kansas State University) for
University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, it was a worthwhile trip. I learned about the culture and customs of another culture. It was amazing to compare the human interaction differences and similarities. Despite the language differences, people are more alike than you think.
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. |
The classes were easy. The teacher knew you were study abroad students and wanted you to spend your time exploring, not doing homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration was unhelpful with switching classes. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was very close to everything! I was within walking distance to every place I needed to go. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our group independentely decided to visit Segovia for a day. Don't be afraid to go to the bus station, buy a ticket and hop on a bus to a random city. It adds excitement and independence to your trip. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | $200. Water costs money. Public restrooms can cost money. Be prepared to spend money on things you thought were free. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Write down the price of everything you buy so you can keep a running total. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPAN 566. Culture of Hispanic America |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish with my host family, professors, restaurant workers, etc. The only time I spoke Spanish was with our group from K-State. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Be open-minded prior to visiting. Be ready for change to occur within minutes of stepping off the plane. |
