Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exceptionally great, no regrets and memories I will have for a lifetime. Past Review

By (Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General., University of Texas - San Antonio) - abroad from 06/03/2013 to 07/01/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It most definitely worthwhile, I gained personal confidence in many aspects including my fluency in Spanish. I learned that school is important, along with the people you meet in the abroad experience. I have new friends across Europe that I am eagerly waiting to go visit again

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.

The curriculum for classes covered quite a bit of material, but the teachers adjusted work loads to allow for a good experience abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Because of the short time and schedule of classes I was not able to attend all outings with the program, however the program directors worked hard in planning make up excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family and living arrangements were terrific.

* Food:

I always had plenty to eat at lunch and dinner, breakfast was simple and satisfying.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While living in Granada I met a few local art students who took me to small art exhibits along with plays and cultural outings. I felt very immersed in the Spanish lifestyle.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never got sick or had to use the healtch care facilities.

* Safety:

I never felt threatened at any point, I found Granada to be a safe city.

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

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)

It was difficult to live on a budget I am accustomed to living on in San Antonio. Could be due to exchange rate, or I was always exploring the town and spent money on transportation, food, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If planning on traveling look into student discounts for trains and buses. Airplanes can also be cheap, but buy in atleast 3 weeks advance.

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

Always spoke in Spanish with directors and profesors. The porfesors encouraged students to meet other students and residents of Granada to practice speaking.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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 4303
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? Do not spend your days with people who speak your native language unless they can speak the language you want to learn and speak to you in that language. Also Do not be shy when talking in a different language, your there to learn, people will see that and want to help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • The directors did what they could to achieve what you wanted.
  • The people I met, including those from Texas and other states
  • The Spanish culture was fantastic, naps everyday and free food.
* What could be improved?
  • Organization between school and program
  • Opportunity to explore more on your own, but also recieve guidance from directors.
  • Nothing else.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would've helped if I had a better understanding of how much money to bring, to I had to phone home at the end of my experience to ask my parents for some financial aid.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'