Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Inclusive Past Review

By (Western Carolina University) - abroad from 08/30/2019 to 12/20/2019 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 much about other cultures and how to travel efficiently. I also learned so much about myself and obviously the language. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

The school was challenging but very well manageable. I really enjoyed learning so much.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The directors of SOL were so on top of things and so very kind. I really loved all of them. (There were three)

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived a bit far away from the school, but all was well because I loved my roommate.

* Food:

The food everywhere was so affordable. But the food at the host family was a little rough a couple times. No big deal though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was hard meeting Spanish people but SOL had a lot of activities planned for you which was awesome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Amazing!! As I said the directors were on top of things, so when I came back from Morocco with a stomach virus they went to the doctors with me and helped me translate and get the right medicine.

* Safety:

Granada is a very safe city. Obviously when traveling at night in the streets, be careful of your surroundings. I never ran into anything sketchy though.

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

I would 100% chose SOL again because they are so well organized and affordable.

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)

Very easy, I did not spend much money a week on food or anything. Only thing that cost the most money were the trips.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Each week maybe 20? But if I was traveling over that, around 300.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I saved around 6,000 for this time. Just because I was there for a long time and wanted to travel every weekend. I was able to do 10 trips with this to over 6 countries.

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

All the time.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Sophomore year of college
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 and make friends that do not speak English. And talk to your host family a lot

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The people
  • The location
  • The language
* What could be improved?
  • The distance of host families
  • The opportunities to meet Spain natives
  • The quality of host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The process and what includes into getting a visa.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.