Awesome experience! Past Review
By Dylan K (Spanish Language and Literature & Economics, Christopher Newport University) - abroad from 06/09/2013 to 06/30/2013 with
Centro Mundo Lengua: Summer and Semester Programs in Spain for College & University Students
It was my first time experiencing a culture from a non-tourist POV. It was definitely worthwhile. I gained confidence in my Spanish language skills and learned how to appreciate other cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Centro Mundolengua offers courses in Spanish Universities. During the summer I attended grammar and conversation classes at the University of Cádiz. The professors are excellent and Centro Mundolengua has free tutoring services provided for its students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was meticulously organized - from airport pick-up to cultural and social activities. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a host family so that I could be immersed in the culture and language. I never had a problem and enjoyed getting to see the true Spanish culture during my time in Cádiz. |
| * Food: |
Food is provided within the homestay - which is excellent. Our host father would go fishing some mornings and then we would have the fish for dinner. At times I went out to tapas, which of course were incredible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Studying in a Spanish university and living with a host family immersed me in the culture completely. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had to deal with an healthcare issues, but the Mundolengua staff said they could accompany us if need be. |
| * Safety: |
Cádiz is an extremely safe beach town - never felt uncomfortable. |
| 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) |
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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? | 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? | 300 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | The program prepares its students for dealing with different cultures, but I wish I would have done more independent investigation about Spanish-American cultural differences before embarking on my adventure. |
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.' |
