Truly a life-changing experience Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 02/04/2019 to 05/03/2019 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?
A lot more knowledge about spanish and Europe in general.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Everyone was super nice and seemed very eager for us to learn and understand.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My host family was incredibly kind and let me do whatever I wanted within reason.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My place was very nice, a little far away from the others but still a good location.

* Food:

Food was amazing, I loved it all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard at first, but we eventually got into the swing of things.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Seemed very accessible.

* Safety:

A very safe place to be, I never felt nervous or scared.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved every second of being over there and learning about something I've wanted to imrpove.

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)

It helped that we got meals five out of the seven days, but it was very easy to spend money.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save a lot, it's better to have money left over than to run out.

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? Probably six semesters of 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? Take a higher level class that makes you speak a lot.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The freedom
  • Host family
  • Meeting and traveling with new friends
* What could be improved?
  • The duration of the program
  • Availability to talk with locals
  • Transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save a lot more and less clothing wise is more.

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!