Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastic Study Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Amherst College) - abroad from 07/19/2016 to 05/06/2016 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Spanish culture and language. It was definitely worthwhile. I also got to take courses outside of my majors at Amherst College which I really enjoyed.

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.

The rigor depended on what classes you took. IES abroad courses were interesting but in my opinion, easier than the courses at the local university. You can choose how challenged you want to be while abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff was amazing. Always available to answer emails and questions and very friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom cooked for me every single day and was very nice. She kept her house very clean and gave me a lot of freedom.

* Food:

The food both in my homestay and going out was delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met local students through the IES abroad mentors and got to use my Spanish a ton because of this.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe while abroad.

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

I loved the city and the program. Salamanca is truly a historical site to see and the people and culture is very friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

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)

Since I didn't have to pay for food unless I wanted to go out, I didn't spend very much money. You can spend money on traveling but Salamanca is very affordable.

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

I took a pledge to only speak Spanish while abroad and learned a lot/improve a lot from it.

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

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 people I met
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • The cliques the students formed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew that everyone would not be as interested in learning Spanish as me. I was disappointed that some students complained a lot while abroad about things that seemed trivial to me.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!