Take another step Past Review
By Emily Pausa (Xavier University) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/26/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I realized change is always difficult and might seem unnecessary or unwanted at first, but is completely worthwhile in the long run! Step by step one will realize how much more there is to see, and how much you are missing out if you don't push yourself outside that comfort zone
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were pertinent to the country, professors were very competent. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors were amazing! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I can consider myself part of the family I lived with in Spain. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues but felt like the program was very available and helpful to those who needed it. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
SOL study abroad provided me with a cost efficient opportunity, allowing me to live in a family, understand the culture, participate in activities and always feel welcomed and appreciated |
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) |
Most money, however, was spent on leisurely travel or things. |
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 |
Host family only spoke foreign language and program directors encouraged students to always attempt speaking Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | live in a host family, don't be afraid to at least try! (worst case scenario, you won't have to see most people long after your time abroad) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | You will have a very strong support system, available 24/7, throughout the time abroad |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
