Sacred Spaces in Segovia Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 02/01/2019 to 05/01/2019 with

KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that history is everywhere. It may take a little searching, but it is there. It can be in the walls that surround a city, the structure of a building, the different materials that make up a tower. In Europe, it can be hidden in plain sight. It instilled in me a certain awe when our professors pointed out that the part of the wall that had a circular protusion showed the Christian influence on the city while the square protusions in the wall showed the Muslim influence. The history of the city we were in was something from legend. It is somewhere I want to return. It was definitely worthwhile. Learning about history will always be worthwhile to me. Who can say they stood under an aqueduct built in Roman times and not think that the experience was worth it? I've never felt so small, yet so amazed. Only the mountains in Ecuador could give me that same feeling. Those are mountains that look very similar to the mountain that watches over Segovia, La Mujer Muerta.

Review Photos

KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program Photo KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program Photo KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program Photo KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program Photo KIIS: Sevogia - Experience Segovia Spring Semester Program Photo

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.

I felt like the program did a good job of integrating experiences within the courses. While there was not much homework, we were still challenged to apply what we were learning in a thoughtful way.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The director was there while we were there. She was nice and seemed like she had a genuine concern for the students. She was understanding for the most part when a student needed to step out of a situation because they were too overwhelmed. I felt like I could go to her for about anything if I needed to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied. I enjoyed my host mom so much. She was located five minutes from the school. Because we were in the center of town, we could get about anywhere when we wanted to. It was convenient and allowed us to discover more of Segovia this way. I also loved that we were able to connect with our host mom. She was a little quiet, but so were we. She had a wonderful little dog and we went on a few walks with her and Zampo. She took us out for tapas one night and showed us her weaving. She definitely cared about us, and I enjoyed having late night talks with her. The house wasn't too small and the food was stellar.

* Food:

If there was something I didn't like, my host mom would make sure not to serve it again. She was never offended. For the most part, I loved the croquettas, tortillas, sopa espaƱola, tapas, and what my roommate dubbed bacon spaghetti. Our host mom taught us a few dishes too. It was a great way to get to know her better. When we weren't eating with her, it was nice to go out for tapas or stop at a cafe for a midday coffee. The coffee there is cheap, but very strong. It could have kept me going for days.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was integrated into a church very quickly once I got there. I was able to make quite a few lasting friendships. I still get messages from a few of the ladies from the church I went to. I felt like I was getting a handle on Spanish culture and really enjoyed their way of life. Being in the heart of the city, on the streets with everyone there, it was easier to integrate than I had first thought. I really miss that part of Spain. Everyone lives on the streets. I wish that was more common in the U.S.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any experience with this.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in this city. Segovia is not a place where crime happens frequently. It is a small town and the culture there is one where people take care of each other. As a female, I never felt unsafe when I was walking alone. There were so many people around, I knew that no one could try anything without making a scene. Of course, there are lots of tourists in Segovia, especially on the weekends. It is always best to excercise caution in big crowds. I would also suggest not walking alone late at night or early in the morning. If the sun's down excercise caution. If you travel to other cities, be aware of pickpockets and travel warnings. I almost lost my cell in Barcelona. Someone actually pulled down the zipper to my coat pocket, but I was able to jerk away before they could do anything else. Sometimes, there are protests and such in other regions.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really loved most of the professors I had. The professors that were actually from Spain were incredible. They were thoughtful and took us on excursions to places that really connected with course content. I connected with the community and with our host family. I discovered that there are so many places in this world that are sacred. They may be little more than rubble now, but you can feel each place you enter. There is always this sort of awe and peace that comes to me when I explore old buildings. The old churches are incredible, but so are the castles, fortresses, aqueduct, and the Jewish burial grounds. Segovia will always have a special place in my heart.

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)

I found it easy to live on a student budget. I spent maybe fifty dollars or less a week on coffee and other personal items. The food is covered, so it was not difficult to provide for myself. Clothes are inexpensive and travel is inexpensive as well. You just have to be willing to take night buses and stay in hostels.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend your money all at once. If you want to buy souvenirs wait until the end, especially if you are wanting to buy souvenirs in your home town. Make sure you have a budget. Get a credit card to withdraw money with. Most banks charge for converting money and that can add up. I probably lost about one hundred to one hundred fifty dollars on conversion rates. Also, if you travel, take the night bus. It will save on housing if you can get to sleep. Watch rates on flights. If possible, book that travel beforehand. It will be cheaper in the long run.

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

They encouraged us to use the language all the time. There was a jar in the center that asked for fifty cents for every English word spoken at the center.

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 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? Talk to everyone in Spanish. If you can't find the word, describe it. Do not resort to English unless it is your last option. Do not speak English to your roomie. It is tempting, but it will be worth it if you do not give in.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Visiting La Mesquita de Cordoba
  • Listening to Marian's stories about the different places like La Mujer Muerta
  • Exploring the city with different professors and learning about history, art, and the architecture of the city
* What could be improved?
  • Attention to mental health, especially when student's are experiencing depression
  • Selection of American teachers for the program; they should know the city well beforehand
  • More use of the center when classes aren't going on
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad is a very different environment. It is probably the most freedom for exploration you will ever have. Make use of it. Visit a Roman Catholic service. Travel to Barcelona on a night bus. Buy all the coffee and chocolate con churros that you can. Study that thing you never got around to in college. This is the time to do it and it won't last nearly as long as you think it will. One blink and it will be over.