API (Academic Programs International): Cadiz - University of Cadiz Photo

Cádiz: The Unexpected Experience

Program Information

Cádiz, founded in approximately 1,100 B.C., is the oldest city in Europe. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Cádiz is only accessible by the “Puerta de Tierra,” a strip of land that once served as protection from invasion, and now serves as the only entrance into the city. Though many ancient ruins are now ... More

Provider: Academic Programs International (API)
Location(s): Cadiz, Spain
Year Founded: 1997
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Natalie S. (IB and Goverment, The University of Texas at Austin) on April 11, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-09-13
* End Date: 2010-12-23
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

* 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:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did The University of Texas at Austin prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? An upper division spanish literature class.
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced with my host family, my program director, and in classes at school. I had to speak Spanish to 99% of people on the streets, in stores, etc. Most people did not speak English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? No
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring more money that you think. Plan lots of your own travel plans, because even though the program travels, it's not that much.
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Yes. It made me more culturally aware.