Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Looking Back Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., University of Texas - Arlington) - abroad from 09/21/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Salamanca, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a ton of things and it was very worthwhile. I wouldn't trade it for the world, but I would def go to a different place next time.

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.

The classes are very different so they are hard to rate. I really loved my classes and learned a lot, but in terms of coursework there was a lot less, however I feel like I learned a lot more than in a US class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was frustrated with a few things but I think that was because I haven't lived at home in about 3-4 years, so having to deal with having a "mom" again and specific mealtimes and not getting to pick what I wanted to eat that day... those things were tough for me to adjust to again.

* Food:

My Madre cooked well for a Spainaird (is what I have found out), but honestly, compared to american food, it isn't that good. I was VERY shocked because I thought Spanish food would be great. It is not, I felt it was unhealthy and it had no flavor.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Salamanca is interesting because it is the Spanish version of a College town.... so as far as culture goes, the things to do in the city are school and getting drunk in the discotecas at night (not my thing) so not very integrated.

* 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? No

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 well

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? not a lot, just some for coffee and churros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You are going to travel ALOT, remember that and plan for it. Ask around for travel tips. Buses are cheap but they take a long time sometimes. Hostels are great ways to save money on living expenses. Talk to your family and friends, see if they have anyone in another country you can stay with, that will save you money too.

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? Spanish 4 (fourth Semester)
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? Talk with your host family, talk with the locals, don't be afraid to use your spanish, they love to help you out. Find some other international students who DON'T speak english, then you HAVE to speak spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • No idea
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The food is not that great, its not like French or Italian food.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!