Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Language and Cultural Immersion in Burgos Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) - abroad from 02/02/2012 to 06/20/2012 with

Boston University: Burgos - Spanish Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became much more comfortable speaking Spanish because I was able to speak not only in class but also in the dorm with Spanish students. It was definitely a worthwhile experience that I would recommend to anyone that wants to challenge themselves and have a high level of immersion while abroad.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There is a stipend that allows you to save for trips and other expenses if you want to and it is easy to find informal work for a few hours a week tutoring for English to make extra money.

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? 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? Spanish 122
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The level of integration into the culture
  • The language immersion
  • The ability to live in a smaller city that I could become comfortable and familiar with
* What could be improved?
  • More pre-departure information for non-BU students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is limited space in the dorm rooms, so try not to overpack.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'