An Overall Positive Experience! Past Review

By (Secondary Education/Spanish, Universidad de Alcalá) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 04/30/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in South Korea

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned SO much about the culture and the slang. Being so close to Madrid was PERFECT for traveling to other places as well.

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.

Easy compared to Geneseo, but a nice break so that I could enjoy traveling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They weren't ever available or very helpful. When they finally did help, they gave me attitude.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very kind and welcoming host family!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health issues, so no comment

* Safety:

I felt EXTREMELY safe in Alcala.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Money doesn't go far in Europe, unfortunately.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? WORK as much as you can before you leave. It will be worth it!!

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

Full immersion

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? SPAN 350
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? Spend as much time as you can with natives!

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Travel opportunities
  • Proximity to a city
  • New friends
* What could be improved?
  • Classes with native speakers
  • On-campus meal plan
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!