Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

looking forward to the end of winter and rain Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/08/2016 to 06/08/2016 with

University of Texas at Austin: Santander, Spain: Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learning another language is quite hard and uncomfortable, but, of course, worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* 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? No

A sort of unfair question... but, yes, I would choose differently, a program in a larger city, and a sunnier climate.

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? 60 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eat at home,

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? SPN 327C
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? talk to the locals, let go of English for a bit.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • professors (agreeable and friendly)
  • english less common among locals
* What could be improved?
  • organization of international office
  • weather (impossible)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that Cantabria was its own autonomous community, not a part the Basque Country. The weather as well (rain, relatively cold)

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!