Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lo mejor experiencia de mi vida Past Review

By (Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Spanish, Winona State University) - abroad from 05/31/2014 to 07/31/2014 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Spanish language and how to communicate. I made some friends that i hope to keep forever. I hope to return to Spain one day, hopefully with a job to teach English. I loved my experience. Totally worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved my classes and professors! I loved the excursions. I would have liked to have the excursions included in the 2nd month I was there though.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother didn't like me and thought that I couldn't understand any Spanish. She wasn't very receptive of what we wanted and forgot all the time of things we had said in the past. I wouldn't suggest to use her again. (Elke Bravo Dominguez)

* Food:

loved all food that I ate in Spain. It was all delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My roommate hurt her knee and had to go to the emergency room. One of the directors came with us and helped us speak and communicate with the doctors. Super helpful.

* Safety:

No problems at all. Very safe.

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)

I did spend a lot, but that was what I was expecting. All food is included in the price, which was very nice.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't drink all of your money away.

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

All my classes were in Spanish and my host family encouraged us to speak in Spanish.

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 completed all language courses.
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? Practice with the host family and in class especially. Talking with your roommate will help, but we always felt like we were speaking bad Spanish to each other.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • People
  • Classes
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Host Family
  • Excursion availability
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what type of clothes to bring with me and how much cash to bring. I also wish I knew how to get an international phone and more excursions to other countries that I could do.

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 Urbanite
A 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.