Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great program! Definitely Recommend! Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Arizona State University) - abroad from 08/29/2014 to 12/18/2014 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish and made wonderful friends. Amazing culture, people, food, and art! Definitely worth the money and time.

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.

Centro de Lenguas Modernas at the University of Granada provided wonderful resources and opportunities to learn and explore Spain.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were fantastic in helping us get settled and were always there throughout the entire semester for excursions and fun as well as any questions or concerns we may have had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed my homestay and my family was wonderful, however, the internet sometimes didn't work which made it a little frustrating at times.

* Food:

AMAZING!! My homestay food was superb and the Spanish food was just absolutely delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were opportunities for language exchange partners but I signed up for all of them and never heard back from any of them, so that was a bit disappointing. It was a little hard to meet Spaniards because all of our activities were just with our American group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and plan ahead of time for going out! Bars and restaurants really add up.

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

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? Spanish 4
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? Really speak Spanish in your homestay or apartment. Don't get into the habit of speaking English with other study abroad students!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Granada is the most beautiful and opportunity-filled city!
  • Food
  • Program Directors
* What could be improved?
  • Add a trip to Morocco as part of program (manyother programs offer this)
  • Room students with other students of roughly same Spanish level. I was very frustrated always having to speak English to my roommate who knew practically no Spanish.
  • Make sure homestays have *reliable* wi-fi.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Relax! Enjoy studying abroad and go out as often as you can! Make local friends and integrate into the calm and relaxed culture.

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.'