Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad has been my best memory from college! Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 01/20/2017 to 05/25/2017 with

AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I learn more of the Spanish language and their culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. Being away from your home and loved ones and living in a country where at first you don't know a single person can be so scary, but I can say that it taught me to get our of my comfort zone and to be more independent. I feel like I could travel anywhere in the world now by myself and be completely fine!

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? No

If I chose the same program I would choose to do the apartment housing. Before leaving the states I chose a homestay and was told it would be a little over $2,000. When I got to Spain they had charged me an additional over $2,000 for room and board that was not mentioned on the budget form they gave me. I ended up paying way more than I expected to. The optional excursion trips were also pretty expensive for just a weekend. Other than that though I enjoyed meeting the people in my program and my directors were very nice.

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? I lived in a home stay so I tried not to eat out as much.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a go-fund-me account if you can, get a job and try to save as much money as you can in advance before going, do a side job like selling crafts or something you enjoy doing.

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? Spanish 310
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? Duolingo is a great app to help you learn/practice languages. Also listening to the language whether that's through music or television.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • The people in my program.
  • My directors were always so helpful and willing to talk to us about anything.
* What could be improved?
  • The housing arrangements! They should especially tell you ALL costs that should be paid.
  • I didn't like how all my classes were with Americans. I didn't get to make many friends with any of the Spaniards there because of this, or even other international students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light!

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!