LIFE CHANGING! Past Review

By (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Drake University) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 05/16/2014 with

Central College Abroad: Granada - University of Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That I can live abroad for a longer period later in my life. And ABSOLUTELY WORTHWHILE!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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? 25 dollars average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? -eat at host stay -drink minimally

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Immersion school
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? -talk with locals -talk with host families -talk spanish with american friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Director (Veronica Montero)
  • Intensive Language
  • Meet US students who go to school back in the state close
* What could be improved?
  • Longer
  • More time with local students
  • More time with program as whole
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The classes you can take- Drake must learn this better and explain it to student PRIOR to departure

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'