Incredblie, a once in a life time experince. Past Review
By A student (Winona State University) - abroad from 06/01/2016 to 07/30/2016 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
My time abroad was incredibly worth it. I've learned so much. I've learned about many different cultures through different travels while aboard and the many people I have met. I've improved my Spanish ten-fold. I've gained new friends from so many different places. I've learned independence and tolerance of others.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All of my professors were very nice and easy to listen to. They made learning Spanish very accessible and fun. My Spainsh in the classroom improved very quickly but when I or a classmate struggled with something they were always patient. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were always incredibly helpful and also very friendly. Very prompt at answering questions and always answered any questions well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mother is amazing. She is a wonderful cook, very friendly, patient, and fun. It was a joy living with her and I see myself staying in contact for a very long time. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good a majority of the time. I liked almost everything although at times the kinds of food was a bit repetitive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt that I experienced a lot of Spanish culture, but at times it did feel as though we spend a lot of time with other Americans doing very touristic things. Living with a host family was the best way I felt I experienced and was able to integrate into the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I personally had no health problems while abroad but other friends in the same program as I did and they all had plenty of help and were treated well. I did not need any vaccines before I came abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe at all times in Granada. It is a smaller city and even in the evenings the city felt safe. It is always good to walk with a friend at night but no one I knew after had safety issues and I myself did not have any. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I felt my program had a lot more excursions then other programs and I enjoyed the onsite directors. |
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) |
It's difficult to stay on a small budget simply because there are a lot of new things to experience. Especially at first going out to eat is one of the simplest ways to meet up with people. It is possible to stay on a low budget and not to incredibly difficult if you pay attention to what you spending and doing. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | While in Granada about $100 |
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 |
I didn't feel a lot of encouragement to use the language outside of class and with my host mother. During excursions Spanish was rarely spoken. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level 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? | Listen to music, read books/magazines/articles, or watch a show in Spanish. |
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? | I felt very well prepared coming into this program. |
