Local Charm in Undiscovered Spanish Community Past Review
By Anna (University of Montana-Missoula) - abroad from 06/15/2019 to 08/23/2019 with
Linguistic Horizons: Study Abroad and Intern in La Coruña
Spanish speaking skills, confidence in myself, lifelong friends, and so much more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Studying at Universidad da Coruna was a complex yet extremely rewarding Spanish-language learning experience. Not only were the University resources sufficient, but the teachers were extremely kind, generous with their time, and knowledgeable. Class sizes were extremely small and limited to the students in the study abroad program, so a lot of conversation and one-on-one learning made for a perfect environment to gain comfort ability speaking. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Nicole was always available; for advice, practical assistance, or company. However, she somehow always knew when to push you beyond your boundaries or check in with you at the exact right times. She is a wise woman with many worldly connections that has immeasurable worth. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a host family was amazing- coordinated by Nicole to meet our personal requests, I lived with two young professionals in a very clean 3-bedroom apartment. I had my own room and access to a very clean bathroom, kitchen, and city center. In addition, the building I lived in was extremely welcoming and socially and educationally engaged with me to show me the city and improve my conversation skills. I am extremely thankful to all of the people in my building. |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is remarkable, especially in Galicia. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local Galicians are extremely friendly and generous. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There are pharmacies around every corner, and that is the only service I ever approached for basic medicinal needs. |
| * Safety: |
A Coruna is EXTREMELY safe. Walking around on a weekend evening from 2-4am in the summer, I rarely felt unsafe and often saw families or young children out on the streets. The city is also extremely walkable, so it is easy to get anywhere in 10-30 minutes. |
| 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? | less than 100 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use a budgeting app to ensure you are not overspending! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | SPNS 202 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Conversating in casual situations, with friends, roommates, and neighbors. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | 2 months seems like it is a long time to be abroad, but time truly flies by. Don't be afraid to take a semester long experience, but this was still a breath taking summer. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
