The Best 6 Months of My Life Past Review
By Marissa W (Spanish/ Communication, Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/02/2012 to 12/21/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
I became a much more humble, well-rounded, and culturally aware person. I could not emphasize enough the importance of studying abroad.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My University put the perfect amount of pressure on studying, but the majority of teachers would not give you loads of homework because they really did want to see their students spending more time experiencing life in Granada than studying. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a very ideal experience with my program. I liked it so much that I signed up for an internship once I return to WWU. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in a homestay was so incredibly helpful. I was able to ask my señora every little question I had about the culture, the University, and just for life advice. |
| * Food: |
I had never tried Spanish food before arriving here, and I fell in love at first bite. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By the end of my study abroad experience, I had taken the time to experience the cultural activities that a lot of locals do. I however, made few Spanish friends that didn't speak English whatsoever, which was completely my responsibility. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Granada is a very safe city overall, but there are certain precautionary steps you have to know to take, like not walking home alone late at night and watching your purse. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you truly are concerned about studying abroad on a budget, I would recommend finding an apartment once you arrive to Granada, and living with Spaniards. |
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 |
They set up regular intercambio/language exchange meetings and had our tours in Spanish if we chose to do so. Beyond that, there are tons of opportunities to speak Spanish, you just have to take them. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | 203 |
| 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? | Although it can be intimidating at times, make Spanish friends. You will learn the actual uses of the language that way. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | That CLM provides classes during the month of August, even if there is no CEA program. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
