Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A culturally fantastic adventure Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Loras College) - abroad from 05/25/2012 to 06/29/2012 with

University of the Balearic Islands: Palma de Mallorca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more confidence in speaking the Spanish language as well as in myself personally. I also gained skills of independence for living on my own in a city, including navigation, food, and speaking to locals. This was definitely a worthwhile trip.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I would have liked this to be more organized, however overall it was run well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My home stay was very accommodating and my madre was extremely kind and made me feel at home.

* 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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had completed what would be considered advanced level courses prior to departure
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? Practice speaking all the time! Do not use English with the other English speaking students because it is best to stay with total immersion.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The opportunity to travel to different areas/countires
  • My host madre
  • The small group of diverse students from all around the US and Europe
* What could be improved?
  • The organization at arrival
  • Planning for events on the weekends
  • Providing a schedule farther in advance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known the schedule of classes and the weekends to better plan for travel outside of Mallorca.

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!