No better way to experience the world, and no better group than ISA! Traveling Past Review
By Bethany B (Spanish, Government, Berry College) for
International Studies Abroad (ISA) - Reviews from Former Locations
My study abroad experience wasn't just worthwhile; it was one of my favorite times in college, and opened my eyes to a variety of job opportunities in the future, as well as academic avenues to explore. It inspired me to go on to study Spanish in graduate school, but it has also inspired me to think differently about everyday interactions and people I've met before, during, and since that experience.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Guanajuato, Pacific University, University of Belgrano |
| 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. |
The classes were challenging, but reasonable, and wonderfully supplemented with plenty of field trips, volunteer opportunities, and other experiences that pushed this program truly above and beyond academically. |
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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? |
ISA is the best organizer of trips out there! Whether it was a previously arranged trip or a spur of the moment weekend get-away, ISA came through with wonderful recommendations, accomodations, and local places and people to visit. |
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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
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone spoke Spanish, but many also spoke English, so there was the perfect balance of being able to practice, and still feeling comfortable. The host country language was necessary for most interactions, and learning to negotiate conversations and understandings was phenomenal with this ISA program. There is no better way to learn a language than to go abroad, and I wouldn't have wanted to go abroad with anyone other than ISA. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students wanting to gain a broader knowledge of Latin American culture, as well as a multiplicity of different cultural experiences would benefit greatly from this program. A background in Spanish is helpful, but not necessary, as many students in my program were able to get by and learn with very minimal knowledge of the language. |
