Study abroad made me more confident and ambitious Past Review
By Latisha Jensen (Washington State University) - abroad from 01/07/2018 to 05/25/2018 with
AIFS: Granada - University of Granada and Internship Program
I learned a new way of living: more sustainably, more fresh foods, more outdoor adventures, and so much more. I gained confidence in my ability to plan a trip anywhere around the world and I learned how much I love the Spanish language. I now plan to do whatever it takes to live abroad and become fluent in the language. Study abroad completely changed my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Always there where you needed them and did everything in their power to help us in every way. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in a homestay was the best decision I made about this study abroad trip. My host mom was absolutely incredible and accommodating and such a wonderful cook. She also loved helping us learn as much Spanish as possible and was very patient. The location was perfect as well, very central and near a beautiful park. |
| * Food: |
My host mom made a variety of traditional Spanish dishes and dishes that have been passed down to her by her own mom. The food was always amazing and made with love. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I took dance classes, I volunteered with an elderly lady, I attend all the language exchanges and even got a local gym membership. I felt one with the community and I left a part of my heart there. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't personally have to get any health care treatment, but I had friends who did and their experiences seemed to go very smoothly. |
| * Safety: |
I honestly felt safer in this country than I have anywhere in America. Everyone is so friendly and I never felt in danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I couldn't have been luckier with this program choice I made. There is not a single thing I would've changed about my entire experience and the program I chose had a huge part in that. I didn't know what I was really getting into while choosing how to go abroad, but it all just fell into place. |
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) |
I had never been without a job for this long before so that was a new challenge, but with what the program was able to provide me during my time, I had much more success than I would've had if they didn't accommodate as well. It was also a learning experience for me in terms of how to budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 30-50 euros, but it varied. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much as you possibly can because this type of experience is worth it. Plan ahead and make sure you know what is included with the program. Taking out a loan is a good idea if you have not saved enough money in time. Once you're there you'll realize the experience is priceless. |
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 |
I spoke Spanish a large portion of the time even though I spent a fair amount of time with my American friends. There were always plenty of Spanish learning opportunities and I would also go out of my way to find them. |
| 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? | I had completed my Spanish minor and came back with a major. |
| 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? | Get out into the community and make as many local friends that you can. Take advantage of any chance you have to be out there even if you go alone. I went alone to my first language exchange and this built up my confidence to do more because of how much fun I had. |
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?
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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 just wish I had saved up some more money before going or had taken out a loan. I was thinking about everything except my finances for some reason. But I learned a good lesson that will stick with me for the rest of my life. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
