Becoming independent at Universidad de Vigo Past Review
By Molly C (Exercise Science and Spanish, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
ISEP Exchange: Vigo - Exchange Program at Universidad de Vigo
YES! I learned so much about myself during my experience. I also become even more independent and self-sufficient than I was before I left. I have come to love Spain and the Spanish language even more.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
While I didn't get as much practice speaking as I would have liked, my listening, reading, and speaking skills improved rapidly as a result of my study abroad experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Javier (the ISEP coordinator) is very organized and was always available (usually by email) to help when students had questions or needed his assistance. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment building is located in the middle of the city, and we took a city bus to the campus. We were within walking distance of the port and the major shopping areas of the city. The apartment itself was very nice and spacious! It has five bedrooms and three bathrooms as well as a full kitchen, dining room, living room, and study room. The landlord provided bedding for all of us. <br /><br /> The apartment was great, and the landlord is very nice and accommodating. I felt the location was very safe, and in close proximity to shopping and nightlife. |
| * Food: |
The owner of the cafeteria, Paloma, is like a mom to all of the American students. She is very helpful and kind. All meals during the week are eaten at the cafeteria, and on the weekends, stipend money is given to purchase food to prepare on the weekends. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Life in Spain outside of the academic aspect was great! Experiencing all of the different festivals and holidays was very memorable. I was also able to do a little bit of traveling while I was there, which was equally memorable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
While Vigo is a moderate sized city, it felt like a small town atmosphere, which was very comforting. I never felt unsafe while I was there, even when I was in the big cities, although I was always very careful and exercised caution while out and about. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The only money spent on food was when we decided to go out to eat at a cafe or restaurant. As far as personal expenses go, I spent a lot (don't even really have a guess as to the amount) because I like to shop, and went often. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would definitely say SAVE SAVE SAVE before you go, and to allow for some unexpected expected, although most costs are covered by the program, so you only spend money on personal things and traveling. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My speaking skills aren't where I would have liked them to be, but I feel like I improved greatly as a result of the experience. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It is a great program in a great location, but the classes are going to be a challenge, so just be prepared. I feel like students who are motivated and dedicated would benefit the most. |
