Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I didn´t have a reason to travel before this trip and now I do. - BCA Study Abroad: Valladolid - Universitas Castellae Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 05/29/2014 to 08/09/2014 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that friends are found wherever you go and that trying new adventures is scary but usually worth the risk.

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? 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The exchange rate takes a lot of money so keep that in mind. Also bring snacks with you instead of buying food while 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? 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? SPA 305
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? Emerse yourself in the culture from day one and make a personal goal to take in that language with the people in that country instead of only talking in english with the other students.

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
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?
  • I loved meeting people from Spain and other countries. I have many friends now that I never would have met if I hadn´t studied abroad.
  • I loved getting to teach in Spain.
* What could be improved?
  • I think there should be more information given about the host family living because that was the biggest shock to me coming to Spain.
  • There should also be a mandatory meeting to talk about budgeting for the study abroad experience because that was also an aspect I didn´t expect to be difficult but was due to exchange rate differences.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The exchange rate and I wish I would have brought comfort food with me to snack on because that would have helped with the change in eating habits and types of food.

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!