Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ups and Downs in the Most Beautiful City in the World Past Review

By (Spanish and Political Science, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/14/2015 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There will be ups and there will be downs. One moment your on top of the world and the next you're crying on the floor of a train station and both experiences are important. Don't let the bad ruin the good.

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.

IES classes were easy, but still required work to do well in (A or B level). While I didn't take any University classes (schedule conflicts), but from talking with other students I would say that they were manageable if you were familiar with the subject matter, but extremely difficult if you were not.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff always means well, weather or not they are effective/helpful depends on the person or the problem.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family (an older couple with no children)! They were welcoming, helpful and incredibly kind. I felt at home and encouraged to explore Salamanca and Spain.

* Food:

Students in homestays got 3 meals a day and if you were going to miss a meal the senoras would make you a bocadillo (sandwitch). Salamanca is full of cafes and pastry shops if you get hungry between meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I lived in a homestay I felt it was difficult to integrate with Spanish students, who tend to be guarded and uninterested in the latest crop of exchange students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, but the students who did seemed to receive care without an problems.

* Safety:

Salamanca is a very safe city and I never felt uncomfortable, but you still need to be aware of your surroundings

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)

Salamanca is very inexpensive (about $50 a week if I didn't travel or go clothes shopping). All in all I spent significantly less than I thought I would.

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

My host parents spoke no English and all of my classes were in Spanish; however I rarely spoke Spanish with the other participants.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Advanced Grammar and Latin American Cinema
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to force yourself to speak in Spanish with other Americans!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 city
  • No Friday classes
  • Homestay
* What could be improved?
  • The academic advisor was incompetent
  • 8 page papers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Salamanca is a very small city and that was a huge adjustment, also it gets cold so bring a winter coat.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.