Experience of a lifetime Past Review
By Chandler S (International Business/Spanish, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 05/29/2012 to 06/29/2012 with
WorldStrides Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain
I gained international friends, a better understanding of the language and culture, and lifelong experiences I wouldn't take back for anything
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Antonio de Nebreja University |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a high level of academic intensity because the Spanish in Spain was very different than the spanish I had learned in the United States, but it was easy to catch on when in the environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I thought the on-site administration was relatively un-helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location was perfect but it was really dirty, but that was to be expected in a foreign country. |
| * Food: |
At first I hated the food, but I begun to find things I really liked after a while. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt that I really integrated myself into the local culture. I have friends that I met in Madrid that I still keep in contact with today. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any issues with this but a girl in my group did and to the extent of my knowledge all of her needs were addressed. |
| * Safety: |
Although you had to watch yourself more when walking around the city at night, I didn't have any issues or feel afraid. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | staying with a host family really helps you to save money because all of your meals are provided. |
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? | 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? | Im not sure |
| 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? | Meet locals and actually use the language, even if you sound shaky at first, they appreciate the effort. |
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?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | Not to go through ISA |
