Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Es una gran experiencia Past Review

By (Temple University) - abroad from 01/03/2012 to 05/18/2012 with

Temple University International Programs: Oviedo - University of Oviedo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile. I left Spain a confident Spanish speaker with a good cultural sense of the country. I made great friends, saw incredible nature and man made wonders, and had a blast. Absolutely would not trade my semester in Oviedo for anything.

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 courses were not overly difficult, but they gave a great deal of insight on the language, and were immediately useful once you left the classroom. My Spanish skills improved immensely thanks to the wonderful professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything transferred back very easily, and applied to my overall GPA. What more can you ask for?

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Initially my host mother and I did not get along, but Jaime was incredibly helpful in finding me a new place to stay that was much more comfortable. After switching, which was completely painless, I was ecstatic, with a wonderful woman to show me the language, cuisine and land.

* Food:

Delicious

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Incredibly welcoming folks who were just as interested to learn about me as I was about them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Jaime and my host mother were both more than willing to take me to a medical facility in the event of a problem (which luckily did not happen!).

* Safety:

Never once did I feel unsafe throughout my stay.

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

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)

I saved beforehand and was comfortable. All expenses are paid for: food, housing, tuition. The only expenses were travel and beer. Which still added up though!!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 USD tops
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and stick to it. And tutor in English if you need extra cash. Super easy and fun way to meet new people, and put some money in your pocket.

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

I was constantly speaking Spanish everywhere I went.

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? Fluent
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? Completely dive into the culture, and do not be afraid to make mistakes.

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

  • 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?
  • People
  • Language
  • City
* What could be improved?
  • Some homes are far from school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is colder in Oviedo than expected!! Pack warm clothes.

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.