Spanish immersion at Universidad de Salamanca Past Review
By Lila C (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services., SUNY - Binghamton) for
University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes. I learned so much about the Spanish culture and language. The program was very organized and put together well. I loved all the activities I was a part of, especially intercambios and volunteering. The classes were also very good and I enjoyed almost all of the professors.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Salamanca |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned a lot of Spanish because the professors only speak in Spanish. The professors are mostly excelent and want you to learn their language and about the culture. They are fair and there isn't too much work. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program advisor, Sherri, was excellent at answering questions and explaining cultural differences. She was accessable too and we felt comfortable asking her for advice. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed on Avenida de portugal with Mamen, who is the sweetest lady. I had my own room but another student in the program lived with Mamen too and in the beginning there was a Spanish girl living with us. Mamen accomodated our vegetarian needs and was very motherly. She did our laundry once a week and took care of us. <br /><br /> I lived 10 minutes walking from the Plaza Mayor and the center of the city, 20 minutes walking from the bus and train stations and nothing else was too much further. I loved that it was a walking city and I almost always felt totally safe. |
| * Food: |
Mamen was happy to accomodate my vegetarian needs. We had three meals every day that were delicious. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made great friends on the program and in other programs. There were always social activities going on including tapas, Las Ferias, botellones, intercambios, etc. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt totally safe until the end when a sex offender was reported in the area. The issue was addressed and we were made aware and told how to be more safe. |
| 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 really only spent money on nightlife and shopping. The nightlife was very cheap though because the bar promoters love giving away free drinks. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I spent a ton of money on travel, which I definitely don't regret but it is more than you anticipate almost always. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I came having never used Spanish and because I was forced to use it (not in a bad way) I was able to learn so much more. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you like a beautiful walking city with a really fun nightlife made for college students and living with a host family this is a great program. |
