Absolutely amazing in every way possible Past Review
By Christen Stevenson (University of Houston) - abroad from 12/16/2018 to 01/05/2019 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I gained much more Spanish knowledge than I thought I would and even changed my minor to Spanish because I liked learning it so much. I loved learning the culture of Granada and historical things about the city. It was 100% worth the money and time spent there.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Amazing experience, all the teachers and director provided plenty of resources to help in classes. I feel I learned more in the three weeks than I did in 3 semesters of Spanish at home. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The best experience I’ve ever had. Everything was so well organized, from class to activities, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our host mother’s house was very nice and clean. She made us feel at home, especially during the holidays when her family was coming to celebrate. |
| * Food: |
Our host mom also cooked very well and made something different and authentic for every meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were plenty of opportunities to learn about the city and what the locals do during the holidays, how they celebrate, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any healthcare issues. But I did get the insurance while I was with Sol and thought that was nice in case something happened. |
| * Safety: |
I always stayed with my group of friends, usually 4 of us. I never felt unsafe, even if I walked alone during the day, but just to be safe I would stick together at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
2.5- if you eat at home for most meals and shop less than I did, it is easy to manage your money. Although it is decently cheap in Granada compared to back home. |
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 |
All the time. All classes and tours were given in Spanish. Even if we responded in English, Edu and my teacher would respond in Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 3 |
| 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? | Try to speak in Spanish as much as possible, even if you feel embarrassed or that you are wrong. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Not to pack as much as I did and a better understanding of the language. Also, customer service at restaurants are way different, especially for English speakers. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
