Hard work really does pay off in the end Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/09/2016 to 08/09/2016 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is a bigger place. I became more open minded and aware of what is going on in the world. I definitely came back a different person. I grew up and became more cultured as well. It was worthwhile.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

We went on a lot of museum trips and excursions to other cities. I was able to learn so much more than if I were to travel around on my own.

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? About 100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up $1600 for spending money. I came back with 10 euros after 4 weeks abroad.

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? 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? SPA 235
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? The app Duolingo helped me. Read books and watch the news in Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Museum tours
  • City tours
  • Free weekends
* What could be improved?
  • Speaking more Spanish within the group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The way that Spaniards dress and the intensity of the heat (weather). I would not have brought any jeans or pants which took up so much space in my bag.

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.