Unforgettable and irreplaceable!! Past Review

By (Worcester State University) - abroad from 05/29/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going outside of America to a country that speaks another language, whether you know it or not, makes you appreciate those in America who are trying to learn English. I feel more wordly and am so happy I decided to do this.

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?

This was the best part and a lot of it has to do with my host family. I believe they gave me an authentic experience and plan to stay in contact with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As far as the hospitals in Spain, I was very unimpressed and upset with how they handled a situation that I was involved in. My friend had to go to the hospital and I went with her, but the hospital did not give us the time of day and we waited over 13 hours in the hospital for something that could've taken only a couple of hours. With that being said, I called the SOL director, German, and he was amazing, thus my rating. He came and stayed with my friend and I and made sure she got what she needed. He did not leave our sides and made us feel very comfortable. I am highly impressed with how this situation was handled by SOL and am forever grateful.

* Safety:

I got a lot of warnings about theft, from both people in the US and the program directors. With that being said, I did not ever feel unsafe in Spain. I think that everyone handles being in a foreign country and the theft warnings differently, but as long as you aren't careless then you will be fine. I used a cross-body purse (for both convenience and safety), when I sat at a restaurant I just kept it around me and sitting on my lap. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't let the warnings stop you. Definitely keep a copy or 2 of your passport in case something does happen, but as long as you're aware of your surroundings there should not be an issue. I felt very safe in Granada.

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

SOL is amazing and truly cares about their participants. They were 100x more organized than the other programs from what I heard from students who came with other groups.

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)

Inn the program handbook it says that we will need about $200 a week, which I thought was steep. I personally did not spend that amount of money per week, but I also did not intend on traveling outside of Spain. The cost of my trip to Italy was something I did not plan on, but besides that as long as you are smart with your money (i.e. not spending it on silly touristy things and only on the things you know will be used) then I would say I spent about $100 a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between $100-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not buy things just to buy them. Yes, souvenirs are important, but do not buy things that you know will not be used. Also, your family is compensated for three meals a day for you, so take advantage of that and getting to know your family at the same time! Something little that does add up is buying things at the vending machine at school. Depending on your schedule you will get hungry during the day. I went to the SuperMercado and bought some apples and granola bars and I took those with me to school. The little things can add up so just be smart so you won't miss out on other things!

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

They were very good about making sure that they incorporated Spanish as much as possible on excursions, but also took into account that many people had very little Spanish background, so they translated to English as well. In the home and in class you are speaking Spanish and only Spanish, which is nerve racking, but worth it!

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? 400 level courses
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? Prior to your departure, don't freak out your family will understand if you have limited Spanish and they want to help. Review your tenses and simple vocabulary and phrases. You will be amazed how far you can get with only a little bit of Spanish. When I was there I found myself googling a lot of Spanish that I couldn't remember, even the simple things. It made me want to learn it and more interested in retaining it.

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?
  • The organization of the program as a whole
  • My host family
  • My friends that I met
* What could be improved?
  • I know some people weren't as happy with their placement as I was, so maybe looking farther into some of the families through the reviews.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The families do not speak English and that I had a roommate (I was unaware that everyone got a roommate). I also wish I knew that people with no Spanish speaking background to people who are fluent would be attending, I was nervous that everyone would be fluent.

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.