An Unforgettable Experience Past Review
By Emma Dorshimer (Gettysburg College) - abroad from 06/02/2017 to 07/28/2017 with
IES Abroad: Salamanca - Advanced Spanish Immersion
I learned how to get out of my comfort zone and to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was worried as a winter sport athlete that I wouldn't get to study abroad and get that experience in my life. IES Abroad gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to study over the summer so that I could still have a special experience. The administration in Salamanca are actually amazing, and each of them provides so many opportunities to immerse yourself in the language, the culture, and in just cultivating friendships. I definitely was pushed out of my comfort zone with this program because I didn't know anyone going into it, but it was so worthwhile. I met so many new people that I still talk to everyday and getting the opportunity to better my language skills has proved invaluable to my career development as well as my own personal goals. I can't think IES Abroad enough for giving me the Study abroad experience that I dreamed of. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES Abroad staff were so helpful in immersing us in the culture and helping us pick classes! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in a homestay and it was a great way to practice my Spanish! |
| * Food: |
As a vegetarian it was sometimes hard to find enough options, but the food was still good! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
IES Aborad staff planned so many awesome activities that helped us get immersed in the food and culture of Salamanca. |
|
* 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
|
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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get the cheapest option every time when traveling. Never splurge. You will regret it. |
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? | A 200 level Spanish class |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That practicing your Spanish day in and day out will be really hard, but super worthwhile |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
