A Journey of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Rachel Nicoletti (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 06/01/2016 to 06/30/2016 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I learned so much about myself and the world around me. There is so much more to life than your little bubble. I learned about a different culture and learned a different language. I also learned how to adapt new surroundings. It was totally worth while.
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 went into the program as a Spanish minor and I had some background in the language. The program had courses that really challenged my knowledge and the professors really work with the students because they really want us to learn. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living with a host family because it was nice to see friendly faces that I new were my home away from home. They were always there to answer questions and help us out. Also, they told us about the cool places to hang out where all the locals go. |
| * Food: |
The food is totally different than what you would expect. Overall, I was very pleased with the food in Granada. Getting tapas with my friends every night was literally the best and it was so much. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were all living with host families who spoke very little English as well as our professors because of this, we were really integrated into in the language. Our program also took us on many cultural events such as Flamenco Dancing, Mediterranean food taste testing, and the Arabic baths were just some of the few things we got to experience. By being in Granada for a month, we got used to the city and we were more than just tourists. We were a part of the city and were almost like locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I think we spent about 50 euros on food and drinks every week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Remember that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should enjoy it and not worry about money the entire time. |
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 |
People loved it when we tried to speak the language because we were trying to avoid being obnoxious foreigners who wanted them to speak English. |
| 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? | Spanish 3 |
| 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? | Watch TV and listen to the radio before you go. It will make you practice your listening and also talk to people so you are more comfortable speaking the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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 liked not knowing anything because I love surprises. |
