Completely Immersive Experience Past Review
By Caitlin (Muhlenberg College) - abroad from 01/18/2016 to 05/06/2016 with
IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained fluency in a language I have been studying for ten years, as well as friendships that I will likely continue for the rest of my life. I was also exposed to a completely new culture and the ability to travel easily and inexpensively, resulting in a desire to see as much of the world as possible.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I truly loved the program, from the academics to my homestay. I have 0 complaints! |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget wisely - it is easy to live on a small budget and still feel like you are having a full study abroad experience. Also prioritize what you would like to do. It is much easier to budget and refrain from spending unnecessary money when you remember that trip you're planning is worth far more than a few souvenirs. |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A 400 level Spanish literature class |
| 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? | Prior to leaving for your program, try to listen to music and watch tv shows in your target language. It is nearly effortless, and the exposure will help prepare you for hearing that language 24/7 once you arrive. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | N/A |
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