Segovia: Small town with big personality Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature, Oakland University) for

GEO: Segovia - Study Abroad Programs in Segovia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program greatly increase my language abilities, but most importantly, I met a lot of wonderful people and had a lot of fun.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I only took one class during my time in Segovia. I would highly recommend doing so if you have the opportunity. The work load was very light, which left me plenty of time to explore Segovia and enjoy the culture and my time there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Marian was a wonderful resource, always available for help, as well as the rest of the staff, although I didn't need to make extensive use of them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was arranged by the program. I found Segovia in general, as well as my neighborhood, to be very safe. I lived in the apartment complex on Calle Anselmo, along with several other students. It was a short walk to school and the other main parts of town, the entire width of the town can be walked in an hour or so, which made it easy to get around. Do be prepared for steep terrain though, as you are living in the mountains. The only thing I need to purchase upon arrival were personal supplies such as shampoo, toothpaste, etc. I was treated extremely well by my host family, although a bit more like a guest than a family member. I think this is large part was due to my host-mom's quiet nature as opposed to any intentional distance. Judging from conversations with other students, the families genuinely hosting students.

* Food:

In typical Mediterranean fashion, more than enough food was provided. Quality was good, although not great, but more personal preference than anything. My host mom was very accommodating with respect to foods I didn't care for, in my case seafood, and was never offended if I didn't like something. I ate dinner at home nearly every night. Lemon y Menta near the plaza mayor offers great pastries for a midday snack. While you are there, brave up and try the cochinillo, Segovia's official dish.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the overall experience in and around Segovia. The excursions are a wonderful way to see the area and learn about the culture, by far my favorite aspect of the program. In particular the excursions to the Ruta de los Castillos, Avila, Salamanca were my favorites. Segovia offers a great night life, always people out and about, the discotecas offer a great place to go dancing, and there are often free concerts and happening around town, at least during the summer month's that I was there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not have any experience with the healthcare, but some other students did. It was well dealt with, they were accompanied by a member of the program's staff and often times their host parent as well. The city was very safe, I walked home by myself at night and never felt unsafe. Obviously, as in any city, be aware of your surroundings, but I found it to feel much more safe than big cities.

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?

Segovia was small enough that the majority of daily activities were conducted in Spanish. Living with a host family was hands down the most important aspect of language acquisition. I also participated in the Intercambios program that was offered, which I highly recommend if you are serious about improving your language skills.

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? A student who is serious about upping their language skills would most benefit from this program. Also an easy going personality, due to living with a family. Bring at least one pair of jeans and a jacket, everyone told me it would be extremely hot while I was there, and it was...eventually. The first week was very very chilly, especially at night.