Can I return yet? Past Review
By Grant Steele (Pomona College) - abroad from 09/02/2016 to 12/19/2016 with
IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion
I gained an appreciation for the Spanish culture that I could not have obtained any other way. Despite not receiving any major credit and limited minor credit, I would do it over again instantly. I really learned that you can't translate culture, and I am so happy I chose a fully immersive program.
Review Photos
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. |
Classes at IES were fantastic and very informative. All three professors I had were great. I originally wanted to take a biology class at USAL, but had to drop due to some difficulties. I would give 5/5 if the program had better relationships with the STEM departments at USAL. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The housing coordinator and activities coordinator are absolutely wonderful and great to talk to. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mother was the best part of my stay abroad. She was a fantastic chef and a wonderful woman. |
| * Food: |
Once again, my host mom was an amazing cook who always provided us with a plethora of local food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES Abroad does a great job of integrating you into the culture through their mentor program with university students. I continue to talk to them today! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Always felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Great people all around, from professors to other students to mentors to families. |
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) |
I miss the cheap tapas and beverages! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | La Imprenta has fantastic beverages :) |
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 |
Spanish Club was a fantastic part of my experience here and encouraged me to speak it with my housemate everywhere, even when our host family was not around. |
| 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? | 5th semester Spanish |
| 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? | Practice and don't be afraid! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | STEM classes are extremely difficult to take... And be prepared for the semester of your life :) |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
