Salamanca: The greatest little city of Europe. Past Review
By Katie L (International Business, Washington State University - Pullman campus) for
AIFS: Salamanca - University of Salamanca
Yes! I learned soo much about myself and the world outside. I wish that I could do it all over again, but then I would never want to lose the experiences that I gained being there. It made me see the world differently, in a way that sometimes cannot be explained. It has impacted me for my future, because now more than ever I want to go back and learn more about the culture of European countries.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
workload was minimum. maybe around 1-1.5 hours at the most per week of preparation, and less in homework and reading. the grading system was overall easy to understand, but often times professors would just make up grades as they went. there are a lot of differences in the educational system, like teachers would often cancel classes last minute, or not show up for 10,20, or even 30 minutes into the class. The worst however, is that they are required to fail you if you miss however many absences set by the institution and AIFS. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The AIFS staff in Salamanca were the best. Whenever a student needed advice or help, they were working on it. My only wish is that they would of offered us more information about things to do around the city, and close destinations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
AMAZING! My home stay was really great. She had everything I needed. Fed us really well. Made me feel at home. Always changed our sheets and cleaned for us. She was also really good with knowing what we liked and didn't like. The only thing I would of changed would of been to of had internet access, as well as bigger bedrooms (sometimes it felt cramped with everyone) |
| * Food: |
Outside of the homestay, there are a lot of places to eat that are really good. However, I DO NOT recommend going to places that are non-spanish food (like the mexican place). However, all i've ever heard was the chinese place was great. Eat lots of Kebabs (across the street from Jacko's bar), and go to the smoothie place (Mandala's) by the old school. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Do them all! Don't hold back. Sometimes they wont be as interesting or boring, but going will get you some great pictures. Like going to Segovia with the group. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There are generally a lot of people out late into the night, however it is never a good idea to walk home. If you do walk home alone, make sure that no one is following you, because some housing is placed in dark alleyways. The program offered us safety tips, and told us about bars and hangouts that were not good to run around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I loved this program because it let me get to know a small group of people really well. I would recommend this program to anyone, but say if you want somewhere really charming, and beautiful, go here! |
