Grew me personally, culturally, and professionally. July 08, 2026
By Elia F (Political Science and International Relations, Marymount University) - abroad from 05/28/2026 to 07/10/2026 with
SIT Study Abroad: Spain - Social and Corporate Responsibility Global Internship (Summer)
I gained a new world view; I learned so much about myself as a person, a student, a peer, and a friend. I was able to grow in cultural communication, I learned about how nonprofits work, the importance of international outreach, and exposure to new cultures, and I gained so much to take back home in the way I interact with the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration was well run. There was a group that oversaw the program. Laura Estrada Marquez was the one who directly led our program. I am extremely satisfied with the leadership. We were in a safe, interactive, well-planned environment that fostered real growth with us personally and professionally. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was extremely satisfying. We were given the opportunity to live in student housing accommodations or a homestay. Since the program was only 4 weeks, I chose to stay in the student accommodation. The residence was modern, safe, and met all of my needs. It had a dining hall that served 3 meals a day as well as amenities like a gym, pool, and recreational rooms. Each room had its own bathroom, and the apartment style included a kitchen, living, and eating space. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were prepared through trainings and presentations on the cultural norms and issues that might arise living in a new culture. I felt as though I was well prepared by SIT, and that allowed a smoother integration. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program created a safe environment for me to learn and grow. They cater their activities to the students to ensure that everyone gains the most out of the program that they can. The program leaders interacted with the student on a personal level. |
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) |
I ate out nearly each day due to the lack of food options that I could eat. A large downside was the significant expense, but one could be more frugal and cook meals. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make sure to save money for eating out, traveling, shopping, and any other activities you would like to do. |
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 |
There was a slight encouragement, but everyone had different Spanish levels, which was accepted and was not looked down upon. I spoke little to none and was able to enjoy my time just fine. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had never taken Spanish courses before. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | If you have never taken a Spanish class, you can still have a amazing experience, but knowing a basic level will immensely aid you and make your experience that much easier. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I knew more Spanish and more about Spanish culture as well as the harsh weather and heat; it is really bad in the summer months, sometimes over 107 degrees Fahrenheit. I wish the program gave me a bit more of a heads-up about those factors as well as how different and, at times, bland the food is. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
