Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It's humbling seeing another culture and its affect on the world. Past Review

By (Actuarial Science and Finance, University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 06/08/2012 to 06/19/2012 with

University of Texas - San Antonio: College of Business: Spain Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the differences and similarities in European life compared to the American way. They know when to take a break, but they do work hard. Yes, it was well worth while.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Escuela de Administración de Empresas (EAE)
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Everything we did was educational, whether it was the sight seeing, learning about Spain's culture, or learning in the local universities. The resources that were provided to us were most useful as well.

* 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? 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Start saving money ahead of time, well in advance of your trip abroad. Exchange rates can be very bad, so watch the markets prior to traveling to see if you can get a better deal.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish in high school
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? Learn some of the language before you leave, like conversational pieces.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The daily itinerary was outstanding! We had numerous opportunities to experience multiple things in Spain.
  • The faculty and staff that went with us students were stellar as well. I learned a lot from all three.
  • The students who went on the trip were terrific company. It was an honor to share this amazing experience with them.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we could have spent more time in Spain. 10 days did not seem like enough.
  • I think there could be better help in preparing what is necessary for the trip. I felt like the information was a bit scattered.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have learned more Spanish before I left for Spain. I feel like my experience would have been enhanced if I had.