Live, Learn, & Create Lifetime Memories in Granada, Spain! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Whitewater) - abroad from 01/30/2018 to 04/28/2018 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent, more out-going, and open to new experiences. It was definitely an experience that was worthwhile and one that I will never forget.

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.

* 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? No

I enjoyed SOL and my directors were great people, but I would have liked for it to include more trips/excursions/activities like other programs such as ISA.

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)

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • My host family/roommate.
  • Our trip to Seville & Cordoba
  • Trip to the Alhambra
* What could be improved?
  • Add more trips.
  • Add more excursions.
  • Add more group activities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If your layover in Madrid is less than 1.5 hours long, choose a different flight. Getting from one terminal to the next is stressful when you have a little bit of time because it takes a long time to get through customs and across the entire airport. Also, Iberia will most likely lose your luggage on your way to Spain and on your way back home.

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.'