Self transformation/personal growth August 11, 2023
By A student (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/17/2023 to 07/06/2023 with
Boston University: Madrid - Spanish and European Studies Program
I strengthed my spanish speaking skills. I formed a beautiful bond with my host family and internship supervisor, and I learned to spend time with myself and love myself. Being abroad and facing many uncomfortable challenges forced me to grow in unique ways. I'm very thankful for my experience and would do it again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Loved my experience abroad but the people in my program personally almost ruined my experience and put me through many emotional challenges. However I grew a lot and learned to embrace this abroad experience on my own. My host family was my savior in terms of providing a safe space/emotionally. |
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
| * 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 |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 listened to the advice "get to know people or wait a few weeks before booking so many trips in advance with people in the program". Things happen, relationships change, just a good precaution as it can lead to discomfort if conflicts arise. |
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.' |
