Take me back please.... Past Review
By A student (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/25/2014 to 05/23/2014 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned a lot about the Spanish culture, history and people. Some cultural things even taught me a bit about my own culture. It was definitely worthwhile and something that I will always carry with me. I'm so glad that I chose Granada and I can't wait to get back out in the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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 program directors were very supportive, helpful and friendly. There were a couple of times that I needed to get a hold of them for emergency purposes and was not able to but overall my experience was very very positive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family, especially the mother. We had a comfortable space, we were never lacking in anything and she always told us to let her know if we needed anything, however small. |
| * Food: |
I liked almost everything I ate, even the stuff I didn't like. My host mom is a fabulous cook and lucky for us, loves vegetables. We had paella once a week and she was always willing and trying to make different typical Spanish dishes for us. Also, free tapas will be sorely missed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Thanks to our host brother, my roommate and I were able to meet and befriend a few Spaniards with his help. However, other than this, I did not have much interaction with Spaniards other than family because all the classes are with foreigners, those being mostly Americans. There are intercambios and similar opportunities that I wish I would have participated in that sounded very helpful, although possibly hit and miss. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the doctor once. I paid 40 euro. The doctor checked out my symptoms for about 5 minutes, prescribed me medicine, some of which I already had available to me, and I was on my way. |
| * Safety: |
I walked home alone a lot and never ever felt unsafe. Of course, if you're out at bars or clubs at night you should be cautious. But it's always lit up and there are almost always workers out cleaning the streets so you're never far from help if something happens. |
| 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) |
This is a somewhat difficult question because it really depends on how easily you live that way normally. I really didn't have the money to spend most of the time so of course I was able to not spend it. Honestly, most of your money will probably go towards tapas! In terms of souvenirs/gifts you can get quite a bit for good prices. I spent less than 100 euro, including things for myself. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Pregame, and don't take taxis. Ask your host parents about the best places for things like tapas and souvenirs. |
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 |
Most classes, we were not allowed to speak English during class. Our program directors encouraged Spanish but did not force it. |
| 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? | I had already finished my language courses and was taking classes in Spanish |
| 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? | Speak English as little as possible, avoid it if you can. Even if a Spaniard speaks to you in English try to respond in Spanish. If you're really dedicated try to speak to your fellow group members in Spanish as much as possible--this is probably the hardest. Also, avoid watching shows/movies on the internet but instead, join your family watching Spanish TV. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | Can't think of anything... |
