The absolute best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

USAC Spain: Madrid - Spanish Language, Art, and Spanish & European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile. I learned how to live on my own and improved my spanish.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
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? 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? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 90 euros

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? Advanced Spanish I
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? Just keep practicing and try to get over the nerves. It helps to get involved in international programs with the local students at the university.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International 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 professors and faculty
  • The students
  • The country and city
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe improve the interaction between the local students and study abroad students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That is will go by so quickly and to take advantage of every second!