Incredible Past Review
By Laura F (Brigham Young University - Idaho) - abroad from 08/24/2012 to 11/17/2012 with
Brigham Young University: Madrid - Madrid Study Abroad
I learned many language skills that could only be acquired through an abroad experience. It was worth every minute and penny.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, the classes in Spain by the professors at the cooperating university were fairly easy. I was pushed to learned a huge variety of vocab for the classes since everything was in spanish, and not just spanish literature. I felt that I learned a lot and what we learned in class what built upon through out weekend excursions. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall the university was really cooperative, except from one professor. The professor almost made me feel lesser of a student for caring about my grades and wanting to do well. However, our traveling professor later explained to the university the great importance of our grade with keeping our scholarships in the states. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My mamita was outstanding. I fell in love with her from the first day and made a lasting friendship. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The only thing I had was a small ear infection and my mamita went to the pharmacy with me to pick out what type of medicine I needed. |
| * 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 2-4 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use a budget, plan ahead, and don't buy to just buy. |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 339 |
| 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 speak it! Talk to everyone, think in the language, read in it, and use it! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just relax and enjoy it |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
