Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Choice Ever Past Review

By (Augustana College) - abroad from 08/31/2011 to 12/16/2011 with

AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be completely open to new things. Being abroad doesn't always give you a "comfort" option, sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I appreciate every moment I spent abroad, and would do it again if I could.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great courses that really immerse you in the language and culture!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I'm so happy I did a home stay, you become a part of another family!

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 100, depending on travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look around for tickets, different days and times are cheaper! Go out in groups and split the cost.

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? Intermediate Grammar
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? Intercambios, meet with the local people, practice, and then teach them english.

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
  • 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?
  • Traveling
  • Classes
  • Language
* What could be improved?
  • Time from class ending, to leaving.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry about not knowing anyone, soon enough they will be like family.