The Most Fun Education You Will Ever Receive Past Review
By Kirsten D (Nursing., Winona State University) - abroad from 01/06/2014 to 05/23/2014 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned language skills, and lots about cultural differences. It was definitely worthwhile
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. |
I thought overall it was a great academic wise, but at times I felt that teachers expectations didn't match with what was reasonably attainable in our short time frame. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
SOL was amazing! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I probably had the best host family in the history of great host families. |
| * Food: |
I loved almost everything I was served, very impressed |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
At times I felt like I could have been integrated better, but I think that was mostly my fault, I should have been more confident and just jumped on in |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any issues |
| * Safety: |
Granada felt extremely safe |
| 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) |
I didn't have many regular expenses, but it was a bit more difficult if you wanted to go shopping, buy gifts, or go traveling |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Safe extra if you plan on traveling, and track what you spend just so you are constantly aware |
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? | 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? | Two intermediate classes |
| 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 your host family, force your friends to speak the language, and try to make new friends, watch tv or read books in the language |
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? | 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? | Being open and talking to random strangers should be done daily to help you gain skills and friendships |
