Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Greatest experience of my life Past Review

By (CUNY - College of Staten Island) - abroad from 06/29/2019 to 07/27/2019 with

CUNY - College of Staten Island: Santander - Menendez Pelayo International University (UIMP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture of my country, cultures of other countries by making international friends, appreciating travel and how important it is to expand your studies by going abroad.

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.

Professors were extremely caring and helpful throughout class time and after. I really liked the way we were taught and the exercises they used to make the subject more understanding and fun!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely clean and very comfortable

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Exceptional!

* 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 got really sick but healthcare was very accessible it was right down the block and free with the given insurance from the program. You must know spanish in order to understand most things going on.

* Safety:

Felt so safe night and day

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

This is an excellent program that truly goes above and beyond for their students

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? Probably over 1,000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan in advance! Search everything about the city and what is necessary to buy and not

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

Not speaking any English was encouraged. We spoke Spanish 100% of the time (depending on the level you were placed)

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? SPN 215
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? Duolingo is a helpful app Taking a couple of the language courses before studying abroad for that specific language If you are studying in a non major city, chances are they mainly speak the native language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Location
  • Students
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • More information about the school prior to departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling by yourself isn’t bad you will meet MANY people

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.