Best Experience of my Life Past Review

By (Universidad de Salamanca / University of Salamanca) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/07/2018 with

AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much self confidence and can proudly say that I am much more outgoing than when I started my program. Seeing the world allowed me to open my eyes to many different things and I found a passion inside of me that I want to continue to see as much of the world as I can!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The most welcoming, supportive, and kind people! We had two on-site administrators and they were there for us every single day no matter the time or situation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a homestay where I truly found my second home and mom. She is someone that I still talk to on a regular basis and will always look forward to seeing her.

* Food:

The food was delicious and there were options for all dietary needs no matter where I went. Being a vegetarian this was something that I worried about, but never had an issue with.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people of Salamanca are very welcoming and easy to talk to. I was able to make friends with locals and people from all over the world very easily.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program was very concerned and prepared for all health issues that could happen. There was a moment where one of my roommates had an allergic reaction to something and my host mom and program administrators were by her side and had her taken care of within minutes. They never left her side and did absolutely everything that was needed.

* Safety:

Salamanca is a very safe city, I never felt unsafe during my semester. The program is also very concerned with safety and gave us many resources on how to avoid unsafe situations and what to do if encountered with an unsafe situation.

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

My semester in Salamanca, Spain was one that I will never forget. I learned so much about myself while getting to see so much of the world. AIFS was amazing and so helpful with helping me prepare to go abroad, getting abroad, while I was abroad, and even after my return home. I never felt like I was alone, even though I took on this journey completely by myself. The program was set up to where there were many activities that allowed everyone to meet and get to know each other, activities that showed us around our new home, and even excursions that allowed us to travel in a safe and informative way. This program gave me some of my best friends that i am so thankful for finding and I owe all of that to AIFS for allowing this to happen. My homestay experience was second to none and was the best decision I made for myself. I was placed in a home of a single woman who quickly became a true second mom to me. She was very outgoing, warm, kind, and extremely helpful. My house abroad felt like my home in the U.S. and I always felt comfortable and calm. This was especially important during the beginning weeks when everything was so new and foreign to me. Our house was centrally located and in a very safe area. I was able to walk to the city center in less than five minutes and the location was incredible. I still keep in contact with my host mom and look forward to getting to see her again. The classes provided were great and set up in a way that allowed us to still have free time on weekends as long as you stayed busy and focused in class. The professors were very educated and challenged us everyday to speak as much Spanish as possible to help us learn. They saw so much potential in all their students and encouraged us to see that same potential in ourselves. Overall, this program was all around such a great experience and made going abroad such an easy process. I recommend this program and location to all students. It changed my life and I will always have a home in Salamanca and with the AIFS staff.

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)

The city of Salamanca is home to many college students, so the city understands that people there are on a budget. Meals, tours, events, etc. were all very well priced and very affordable for college students.

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

The program encouraged us to speak Spanish as much as possible, as long as we felt comfortable doing so. The program administrators and professors saw so much potential in us and helped us see that potential in ourselves, which really encouraged us to push ourselves in the language immersion.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
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? Don't be afraid to speak Spanish! As long as you are trying the results will follow.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • host family
  • the people
  • the events and experiences
* What could be improved?
  • more optional excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that this experience was so much less stressful than anticipated and I wish that I knew this before to minimize all the nerves I had before leaving.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.