Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Indescribable memories that will last a lifetime! Past Review

By (Winona State University) - abroad from 06/01/2016 to 06/30/2016 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the culture in Spain, how to be brave and just go for it, and I got to practice the language I'm learning. It was definitely a worthwhile experience and made me a better person!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

I really liked the staff and all the activities that we did throughout my time there. I felt they really immersed me in the culture!

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 was given quite a bit of euros before I left by family members who wanted to support my experience abroad, so I had no issues with having a student budget this month

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out for tapas every night because they can add up, but do for sure every once in a while to have fun. Otherwise enjoy ur time with your family at home and experiencing the culture in that way

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? 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? Not sure exactly, spanish 301
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 roommate in the language you are learning because that is great practice. Also don't be afraid to just talk to people like your family because they know you are learning and dint expect you to be perfect

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
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?
  • The activities
  • Living with a host family
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I could have made friends that live in Spain
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it's really important to practice the language if you want to get the most out of it, and even if you aren't 100% correct, that's alright because you are still trying and people know what you are saying

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.