I will never leave Spain. Past Review

By (International Relations, Oakland University) for

GEO: Segovia - Study Abroad Programs in Segovia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met a boy while being here in Spain and I stayed for the summer. I absolutely love it here. I have learned a lot about the different cultures within Spain and how they feel about Americans.

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.

I learned a lot in all my classes and I didn't find it any different here in Spain than in my university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Marian (our director) was amazing. She was willing to do whatever for us. She was very helpful and always friendly. I learned a lot about Spain through the program and the excursions. There were only 9 people in my group (including me) so it was a little smaller than I expected, but that just meant I had to talk more Spanish.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of my house was awesome, right next to the bus station. I didn't need to buy anything at all. My host mom was okay. My host dad was amazing.

* Food:

My mom wasn't a very good cook so I never really knew how good Spanish food was until my boyfriend cooked for me. I highly recommend eating at Jose Maria's. It's sort of expensive but it has the best cochinillo.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to Andalucia and it was amazing. My friends and I were able to make it to Las Fallas in Valencia and I recommend that everyone should go.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It's very safe. Segovia is really small and I don't think very many bad things happen. I went to the doctor's a few times while I was in the program and it was very easy. The local healthcare system is the same. No vaccines needed prior to arriving.

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
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced Spanish with my host family, all the friends I made, my boyfriend and his family, and of course at school. Yes I needed to use the language everyday. Hardly no one speaks English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try everything: food, music, people, just be open. Also, speak in Spanish every chance you get. I think any type of student can do it.