The Best Semester of College Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language Teacher Education., Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/02/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
I am a completely different and more confident person. Studying abroad broadened my horizons and changed my perspective on so many things.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were easier than I expected but were exciting and fun because you get to learn about a completely different culture and learn a new language. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The CEA staff in Granada is AMAZING. They are so easy to work with and are willing to help you with whatever you need. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was the best. It was so nice to come back after a trip or long day and go home to people that you knew cared about you. |
| * Food: |
Plan on gaining weight! And try everything, even if it is something that you would never eat in the States. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very welcomed in Granada and there were so many festivals and activities to do. There was always something going on that everyone could be involved with. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had an unknown rash on my back but with a trip to the doctor, booked by one of the CEA on-site advisors, I was prescribed medicine and was better in no time. |
| * Safety: |
Being a girl, I know people say never to walk alone, but I did sometimes and at night and out of the five months I lived there, I never felt unsafe once. |
| 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) |
It is very easy to spend more than you think, because of the exchange rates! Make sure to talk with your bank before you leave and have everything figured out, and always have some extra money on you, in case of emergencies, or if you see cute shoes! |
| * 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? | $200 US Dollars (including travelling) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget and spend wisely! |
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 |
When someone studies in Spain, they should be trying to integrate themselves fully into the culture and speak the language, or attempt to. |
| 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 Grammar |
| 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? | Go out and talk with the locals! Also, living with a Spanish host family helped because you are forced to speak at home, not just in school. |
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? | That it would be fun and to just jump right in and not hesitate. Experience everything the culture has to offer. |
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! |
