Can I go back? Past Review

By (Neuroscience, Spanish, Trinity University) - abroad from 09/02/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about traditional Spanish life and increased my Spanish skills a lot. Definitely worthwhile!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I loved where I was at--Salamanca is an amazing city with a lot of history! You also get to learn so much about traditional Spanish life, which is an amazing advantage over a bigger city like Madrid or Barcelona. If I had to do it again, I would probably choose IES again, as they are a very professional program and plan a lot for you.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $25, if I went out to eat once during the week.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Spanish Literature and 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? Dig deep into the culture--talk with your host parents, find a Spanish friend, frequent a cafe...

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?
  • events/activities planned
  • professional
  • encouraged Spanish speaking
* What could be improved?
  • administration
  • better planned trips
  • better academic advising
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had figured out all my classes before I had gone into the program, because the academic advising with IES Abroad Salamanca was very poor.

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!