For those who want to learn Spanish and be in touch with local culture November 16, 2022

By (Spanish, The College of Wooster) - abroad from 01/14/2019 to 04/27/2019 with

Arcadia: Toledo - Fundación Ortega-Marañón

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained fluency and also a deep appreciation for solo travel. I felt that I am more confident in my abilities and understanding of myself and my identities as a product of being in a new environment all by myself

Review Photos

Arcadia: Toledo - Fundación Ortega-Marañón Photo Arcadia: Toledo - Fundación Ortega-Marañón Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Amazingly thoughtful and creative courses, with visits to museums and screenings of films discussed in class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

We were told Toledo is one of the safest cities in all of Spain - I very much felt this was true, and had friends who felt the same.

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

Being a Spanish major and wanting to truly engage with and respect the local culture, this was the perfect program for me

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)

I enjoyed traveling and eating out quite a bit, but as I had a homestay it was very easy to depend on good home-cooked food and not spend as much outside of the home if I wanted to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely be aware of how to most cheaply access internet/phone while abroad

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

It was meant to be a constant, immersive Spanish language experience 24/7 while at the Fundación

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300-level
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? Make friends through the language and learn about things that you personally enjoy, it will be much more motivating to use the language with that as a base

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Language immersion
  • Courses/professors
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Free time allotted to students during accompanied excursions
  • Variety of food at the Fundación
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the semester will go by so quickly!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.