I had a very fun time and I´m glad I did it. Past Review
By A student (Math, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/17/2012 to 12/19/2012 with
API (Academic Programs International): Granada - Universidad de Granada
I learned more about the language, about people, and about Spain. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Intensive Language lvl.7 The profesors were not as organized as I would have liked and they typically arrived tardy. The exams were do-able and the material was not challenging to understand. Sitting for four hours for class was a challenge. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were awesome! Super friendly and on top of things, they kept the ball rolling. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Lunch was always awesome, but because nobody else in the family ate dinner, it was always something preprepared. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You get out what you put in. There´s a lot of Spaniards, at least in Granada, who want to learn English, so there is always someone you can arrange an intercambio with where both of you may practice speaking the other´s language. It´s just how much you put yourself out there and follow up on things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn´t have to use it. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe, but there were some pretty creepy guys at the clubs.. |
| 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) |
Without gifts, I averaged, about, 42€/week. I spent the most during the excursions because of eating out. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 42€ |
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 |
It was a neutral feeling. They always offered the language option between English and Spanish on the excursions and in the office. |
| 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? | 203 |
| 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? | Do intercambios, find soccer, find botellon. |
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? |
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 knew that they played soccer on concrete - I would have brought a different/another pair of shoes |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
