Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Discovering myself, a new place, and a vibrant culture Past Review

By (Urban Studies and Economics, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/25/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live independently and communicate more effectively. I feel living abroad was extremely beneficial and has shaped who I am today.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Salamanca - Business, Hispanic Studies & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Salamanca - Business, Hispanic Studies & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Salamanca - Business, Hispanic Studies & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Salamanca - Business, Hispanic Studies & Spanish Language Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

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? $7-$10

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? Intermediate Spanish 1
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions to a variety of places
  • Emphasis on implementing the Spanish language
  • Plethora of optional cultural activities to do each week
* What could be improved?
  • Shorter tours on some of the excursion to allow for more free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Salamanca experiences very cold weather throughout the majority of the Spring semester.

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 Urbanite
A 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.