Atlantis Project - Albacete Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 06/06/2015 to 06/20/2015 with

Atlantis: Pre-med Fellowship Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This internship program was one of the best experiences I've had as a premed student. I didn't know what to expect going in but my two weeks in Albacete were unforgettable. I shadowed five different medical specialities all the while learning about the Spanish healthcare system and becoming more proficient in the language. I enjoyed teaching English to doctors while hearing about their lives and I made some connections that I would have never had the chance to otherwise. We also were able to explore our city and surrounding areas through the activities the Atlantis Project planned for us. I will never forget the surgeries, patient interactions, emergency room visits, psychiatry clinic, internal medicine floor, etc that I observed. I have recommended this program to many friends and would encourage anyone considering it as an option to apply!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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:

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

There's always more to learn in the medical field and the Spanish language in general- The Atlantis Project provides a perfect setting for both!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep groceries in your apartment so that you don't have to eat out for every meal!

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 204
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? Ask the doctors to speak to you in Spanish!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The doctors I met
  • Teaching Spanish
  • Traveling around Spain
* What could be improved?
  • Communication prior to the program
  • The website
  • Scheduling daily activities in advance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry about not going with a friend! You'll meet so many cool people once you get there!