My adventure has just begun... Past Review
By Stephanie Salm (Saint Leo University) - abroad from 09/01/2017 to 05/18/2018 with
ISA Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain
I have learned independence in a different way. I have learned how to compromise, communicate, and be apart of new cultures. Truly a unique experience!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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? |
My host family is absolutely awesome! They have had a big impact on my experience abroad as well! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe in Madrid, no matter where I was. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
International Studies Abroad is a great way for students to travel abroad and experience the country in a safe, convenient way. |
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) |
It was fairly easy to find my way around and stay on a budget, but then again it is nice to splurge and have extra spending money for new adventures. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do your best to always take the metro/bus. Taxi rides add up very quickly and always find cheap, local places if you go out to eat/drink! |
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 |
I was completely emerged in the culture and their language! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High Beginning Spanish |
| 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? | No matter how difficult it gets, keep speaking the language. It will be tough and sometimes it will seem impossible, but it will be worth it in the end. |
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? | I wish I had more contact and knew my program directors better. |
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.' |
