It changed my life forever. Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Whitewater) - abroad from 09/01/2018 to 12/20/2018 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so many things about myself that I can´t even begin to explain. It pushed me beyond my limits and showed me so many new things. It was 1000000% worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

We loved our host family and so happy we got to live with a Spanish family.

* Food:

Sometimes the food can be interesting, but always keep an open mind and in the end you will be glad you tried it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Granada was such an easy place to feel like you are home. The people are nice and usually are willing to help you if you just ask.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Even at night I never felt like I was unsafe in Granada.

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

Everything about this program was like family and they did everything they could to make us feel at home and comfortable.

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)

If you want to do extra traveling you need to save a lot of money. But if you just stay in your host city and only do the excursions provided, you can easily make it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20 euro for food, and a lot of money if I traveled out of the country on my own time during the weekend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pace yourself when it comes to outside travels. Don´t do everything all at one time.

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? Advanced Grammar
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? Intercambios!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Our directors
  • The students
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • longer or farther excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Granada is hot, but it gets cold and I wish I would have packed differently.

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.