My Spanish Spring Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 05/20/2016 with

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot of intangible "soft skills," professional and social skills, language skills, cultural awareness, flexibility...the list goes on.

Review Photos

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program Photo AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program Photo AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program Photo AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program Photo AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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

Some aspects probably apply to other programs, but I loved my in-country advisors SO MUCH. They were incredible, and so was my host family.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10€ not including travel weekends
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do yourself a favor and put aside a sizable budget for travel, and plan it out, especially if you are going somewhere in Europe where you can see so much so reasonably if you plan it beforehand.

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? 300-level Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make native speaker friends, talk to your host family, talk to your roommate or American friends in the language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Host family
  • Gorgeous location
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Language usage outside class
  • Opportunities to meet local friends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Force yourself to do uncomfortable things to embrace the culture, language, etc. because you'll regret it later if you're easy on yourself and don't push outside your comfort zone.

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!