Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience Worthwhile!!! Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 05/18/2017 with

Central College Abroad: Granada - University of Granada

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much and I experienced so much that I would do it over again in a heart beat. The Experience was definitely worthwhile and I don't regret a single thing. The journey helped me became a better individual and taught me that I have so much more to offer not just my family and friends, but the community and the world as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I never had a situation where I needed health care while in Spain, but the administration in Spain did inform us about it.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program was great!!! All though I would like to study abroad at a different location. Not cause Spain isn't great, Spain is wonderful the people are amazing and the country is memorizing especially in Granada, but I would like to study abroad in another country and experience that same awe and wonder I first experienced while studying and living in Spain.

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)

I spent an Academic year in Spain. So it was very tough for me financially, but I worked over the summer and got some scholarships for the first semester. Also my parents and some family helped me out occasionally.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week $80 to $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on studying abroad save money for a year before you go. Work hard and do fundraising to help get money. Also apply for as many scholarships as you can.

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? Beginner
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? No highter than Spanish 2
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? Encourage yourself to speak the native language when you go out. No matter if it is with fellow American students or local students. Both Americans and the locals will want to speak English. Try to encourage them to speak the native language. Even if it's only for an hour or two try to force yourself to speak the native language it will benefit you in the long run.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The Spanish Advisors were great!!!
  • The professors were fun and the classes were amazing and interesting.
  • The overall experience of studying aborad in Spain.
* What could be improved?
  • Arrival and by that I mean having our Spanish advisors meet us at a certain airport and show us the ropes from there rather then have us find our way to the city and not meet our advisors until the following day.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The classes, since knowing Spanish was not mandatory. I though I would be able to take some classes for my major in English, but all the classes were in Spanish and because of my beginner level. I was not allowed to take specific classes, but I had to take intermediate classes that were only taught to help us learn the Spanish language. So I was basically taking a Spanish class for most of the time I was there.

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 Urbanite
A 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.