Learned so much Spanish! Past Review
By Stacy W (Post-Grad) - abroad from 07/04/2013 to 07/31/2013 with
Andean Center for Latin American Studies / ACLAS: Quito - Individual Program for Spanish Language & Culture
Besides language skills I gained insight into who I am, what I care about and why.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned so much Spanish in my one-on-one courses. I was able to review concepts that I had forgotten while learning new content and I didn't have to worry about slowing down (or being slowed down) by other classmates. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was well organized and easy. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful! |
| * Food: |
Ecuadorian food is varied and delicious. I miss empanadas... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Staying with a family makes all the difference in the world! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Didn't have any issues. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Very easy, things are either the same or less expensive than in the USA. (With the exception of some things like major electronics.) |
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 |
Speaking Spanish all the time is expected. |
| 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? | 300 level in undergraduate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Just talk! Don't worry too much about messing up. Just go for it! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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 wish I had relaxed more and just put myself out there. Encouraged myself to try more things. FULL DISCLOSURE: As a result of this program I now work for ACLAS. However, I believe I would make the same review if I did not work for this organization. |
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.' |
