It was difficult. Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Berea College) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 04/20/2015 with

KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I need a Christian community around me. Yes, that was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It wasn't very challenging when it came to homework or projects. In a way it was good because we were able to focus on other things besides schoolwork.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all very kind and helpful. The director was very nice and and I loved all of my teachers.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

My host mom was the best cook ever!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

That was one big downside for me with the program. Because we were studying with other Americans it was hard to get integrated into the culture unless we went out and partied every weekend. I'm not a big partier so that wasn't reaslly an option for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I needed healthcare the director helped me get to the hospital and took care of me.

* Safety:

As far as I experienced, Segovia was very safe.

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50

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

It always encouraged me to speak Spanish. One downside was that, because there were so many Americans, we talked to each other in English a lot.

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? SPN 330
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? Don't have an American roommate or make sure you say from the start that you should speak to each other in the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The teachers
  • The time it allowed to travel
* What could be improved?
  • It could change from starting in January to February.
  • They could integrate the students better with Spanish students.
  • Not let the American students speak to each other in English.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how homesick I would get so I could prepare for it.

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!