Salamanca: The Most Amazing Summer of My Life Past Review

By (Mass Communication Public Relations, Wright State University) for

AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself during this experience. I also learned a lot about other cultures. I have always thought traveling would be an amazing experience and now I can't wait to do it again!

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.

Having class everyday seemed like a lot of work, but it definitely aided my knowledge and learning of the language. The school system in Spain seemed a lot more relaxed than my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Getting in contact with administration was extremely easy and they always answered questions. If they did not know an answer they were more than willing to find out and get back to me immediately.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family was amazing. I would highly recommend that anyone who studies abroad stay with a host family, if it is an option. It forces you to speak in the native language and you get to try authentic foods! They provided the necessities (bedding, food, etc.) I only had to bring my clothing and toiletries. The location of my host family was very centralized and it was easy to get anywhere I wanted to go. My host family was very nice and the host mother was amazing.

* Food:

The host families were informed of any food allergies before we arrived, but my host mother confirmed this information upon my arrival. She also asked if there was any foods we didn't like and avoided cooking these foods. I would ask the administrators for advice where you should eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program arranged several field trips for us to learn about Salamanca (and everywhere else we visited). They also gave us a weekly newsletter with special events taking place in town so we could go if we wanted to individually.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Salamanca. The main problem was pick pocketing, which is a problem in most of Europe. The administrators warned about pick pocketing and gave us tips to avoid problems. I was sick for a few days and my host mother was very accomodating as well as the administrators.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced speaking Spanish all the time. Living with a host family greatly improved my Spanish comprehension, because they didn't speak English and I was forced to learn. Occasionally you could find someone who spoke English, but generally I had to speak Spanish.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think everyone would benefit from this experience. You have to go into the program with an open mind and be willing to try new things. Research about the country you are visiting will also help prepare you for new cultural norms.