A window into Spanish life but also keeping your tourist identity. Past Review

By (Biology/ Anthropology, Seattle Pacific University) - abroad from 06/26/2013 to 07/29/2013 with

Centro Fray Luis de Leon: Summer Program in Language and Culture’

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Spanish culture and also a lot about the people around me. We formed a very tight knit group and helped each other in our personal struggles. Many people in the group experienced life changing epiphanies while in Salamanca that helped them make positive changes.

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)

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? Intermediate
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? Intermediate (203)
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? Find a speaking partner and Spanish friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • The people I met
  • Places we saw
  • Residencia Helmantica
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions outside the city
  • Less religious history, more general Spanish history
  • The speed through the cities visited was too fast
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about how the climate really was in Spain.

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.'