Studying abroad in Spain was the best decision I have ever made. Past Review
By Kathryn G (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/20/2012 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE)
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I've learned that there is a whole big world out there that at times can seem completely strange and alien, but at other times simply breathtaking. You will learn a lot about the places you go, people you meet, new cultures, new friends, ect, but the thing you will learn most about is yourself. You'll discover strengths you never knew you had, and be grateful for each challenge you encounter along the way. Studying abroad was completely worthwhile. The hardest part by far was coming home. It's something I still think about every day and will never forget.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the best senora and roommates ever. |
| * Food: |
My senora was an amazing cook, I couldn't have asked for better meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| * 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? | 100 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take public transportation as much as possible, use skyscanner.com, and pack as lightly as possible! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 201 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk with natives and your host family if you have one, don't spend all your time with other Americans. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Stay as open minded as possible, especially while traveling. It is impossible to have a good time while traveling if you travel with people who are close-minded and if you yourself are close minded. Take as many pictures as you can, you'll cherish them later. Expect to encounter people and places that are completely different than you. Don't judge them, just accept that they are different. Don't stress too much about school, you're there to learn about things you can't learn in a classroom. |
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