My Unforgettable Trip to Spain Past Review
By Anna (DePaul University) - abroad from 10/03/2016 to 12/22/2016 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Madrid, Spain
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was very much worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself in the course of the two and a half months that I was abroad. I stepped out of my comfort zone on many occasions and took on opportunities that I never thought I would. I became a lot more independent and open to new things after this trip , which I believe are valuable gains from this whole experience. I would go back in a heartbeat to continue my Spanish adventures if I had the chance.
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: |
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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
The program was absolutely wonderful. It provided the best accommodations and activities for a one of a kind immersion in the Spanish culture and overall way of life. |
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? | varied |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have cash on you, but don't carry big bills. There are a lot of pitpocketters in Spain, anywhere you go. Bring just enough and have an idea/ estimate of how much you will be spending for the day. |
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? | Advanced |
| 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? | SPN 206 |
| 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? | Practice as much as possible ! Anywhere you go, whether it be the local store, going out, or your host parents, every bit helps to improve your language skills. With consistency and determination, anyone is capable of improving his/her Spanish ! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I had known more about the country itself and maybe more history prior to going. It is always beneficial to have an idea of a given place, you feel more confident and know exactly what to say when asked about your host country. Also, any traveling, packing, and cultural tips would have been great. I decided to figure everything out from personal experience; however reading or learning from other individuals would have been a good idea as well. |
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.' |
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