Learning Culture by Living it Past Review
By Michael T (Spanish Language and Literature., Austin College) - abroad from 02/02/2012 to 05/16/2012 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I gained an international consciousnesses as well as language skills that can only be gained by living in the country of origin. It was most definitely worth while.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site staff was very helpful with schoolwork or anything you needed help with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The family was very kind and patient with a student trying to learn their native language. They would help whenever they could with my progress. |
| * Food: |
The food was great, I always had my meals ready for me made by my homestay family and they were delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local culture in Granada, Spain is different than the rest because of the large Islamic influence from northern Africa. This gave it a very unique feel, as well as unique people. They were all very nice and willing to take time out of their day to talk to a foreigner. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health care issues but other students did and they were taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe the entire time living in Spain. |
| 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) |
It wasn't unattainable to live on that budget but many weeks because of personal choice I may have gone over that amount. All food was provided to me by the tuition cost given to the family so food was not the issue on the budget. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Average of 50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at your homestay house for every meal, then if you have plans to go out with friends you can go out. This saves a lot of money. |
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 |
The entire program was in Spanish. The classes were taught in Spanish, the volunteer work was in Spanish, The family only spoke Spanish. Language was the entire focus of the program. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | An advanced language course. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak in the language at all times even if you think you don't know it very well. You would be surprised how well you actually can communicate in the language if that is all you speak. |
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? |
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? | Everything I learned in Spain |
