Touch the Sky. Past Review
By Lauren A (Environmental Sociology, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 05/24/2013 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Granada, Spain
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile! I learned to live life to the fullest and go on every adventure possible. Also, to not compare yourself to others since we all have histories and the fun part is getting to know that history of others! Finally, I learned to just pick up and travel- experience new cultures, try new foods, meet amazing people and take a lot of photos!
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. |
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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: |
I felt like I was intruding when I wanted a snack. I heard of some host families making the kitchen open for the students to come in whenever they were hungry but with my madre I felt like the kitchen was off-limits during non-meal times. |
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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
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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) |
It was easy to save money if you lived with a host family. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go crazy in the beginning with spending your money. Be wise with your spending habits from the start so you're not broke by the end of the semester and have to limit yourself during your final weeks. |
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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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPA 304 |
| 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? | Find an intercambio partner. I found one in the beginning of the semester and it really helped improve my speaking skills not to mention you gain a friend and personal tour guide of the city! |
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 I wasn't going to be attending the University of Granada with other spanish, university students. |
