An Eye Awakening Experience Past Review
By Amber M (University of Wisconsin - River Falls) - abroad from 12/29/2014 to 01/17/2015 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE)
One thing I gained was more confidence in speaking Spanish. Before I went over, I rarely spoke Spanish besides in my Spanish class, because I was scared I would mess up. My senora told me that messing up is how you learn. I also gained a greater appreciation for everything I have back here in the states. So yes it was worthwhile. I met some amazing people, I experienced something I have never done before in my life, and I acquired a deeper appreciation for everything I have.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The course I was enrolled in was not very intense, but there was definitely a lot of information to remember about all different buildings for the exams. However, the instructor was understanding and he worked with the students to ensure that they understood everything. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at SAIIE knew what they were doing, remained professional when needed, and also knew how to connect with the students on a deeper level. They clearly showed that they wanted to get to know the students and not just be the on-site staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The senora I was placed with was simply amazing. Every time we spoke to each other in Spanish, she would give me pointers so I could speak the language better. Even though in the beginning it was hard to get used to her not speaking any English I think I adjusted well. |
| * Food: |
The food was interesting. I tend to be a picky eater, so the food was difficult for me. But the food was an experience and I indulged in dish. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Besides going into stores and restaurants, we did not really interact with others from Spain. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Seville. My only advice is always travel in pairs, just in case you get lost or something more serious happens. |
| 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) |
I made due with what I had, but it was a challenge to budget. The reason for this was, because there was so much that I wanted to buy and I was only in Spain for 3 weeks. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget. Do not buys meals during the week if your already being provided with them from your host family. Save your money for gifts, activities, and food on the weekend. |
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 |
They encouraged us to speak as much Spanish as possible. |
| 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? | Spanish 301 - College |
| 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 speak it with your friends and especially your senora and/or other native language speakers. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | I wish I would have known that none of the senoras spoke English. Even though I have a background in Spanish, I felt comfortable knowing that the woman I would be staying with could speak my native language. But in the end I am very glad that she only spoke Spanish, because this forced me to practice speaking it. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
