Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AMAZING - UCM program with CTSS Past Review

By (University of Central Missouri) - abroad from 01/11/2018 to 04/08/2018 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to go with the flow more and I felt like I opened up as a person. I definitely became a better and happier person because of this trip.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I asked a question I was looked at as stupid for not knowing the information. In one instance I asked for a schedule of the classes and I was told I already had it and so when I used the schedule that I had and missed a day I was chastised for it.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I spoke no Spanish whatsoever and I know that also comes back to me but I was placed in a home with a family that did not speak any English. No complaints, the family was amazing but it would've helped earlier on.

* 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

I really liked the opportunity and the security of the classes being in English. I do wish that there was a language class involved in this program to help because UCM spends a lot of time pushing the fact that you do not need to speak Spanish.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You do not have to go out every night. If you do not like the food your host family makes, tell them instead of going out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with a host family
  • Being able to travel every weekend
* What could be improved?
  • Adding a Spanish language class
  • Better communication with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish there was a language preparation class for those who will not be taking classes in Spanish.

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.