Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

AM GOING BACK!! AWESOME EXPERIENCE!!! Past Review

By (Georgia State University) - abroad from 05/30/2014 to 06/28/2014 with

Travel & Education: Salamanca - University of Salamanca

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Spain as a country, its history, language, culture, and literature. I learned how the people are and why they are the way they are. I learned the value of loving your country through the thick and thin. This program was more than worthwhile. I want to do it again, this time, I cant promise you that I will come back, I will just stay there forever.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

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)

staying with a host family saves you A LOT OF MONEY.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Stay with a host family!!!!!!!

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, my host family did not speak any english

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? high school
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to the locals, they love it when you speak their language. I received 10 euros off on a gift only because i spoke broken Spanish with the seller. she appreciated the effort and gave me a huge discount

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
  • Other
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?
  • Culture and Language
  • The locals - they are the best
  • My professors - they were so passionate
* What could be improved?
  • Getting the schedule before leaving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to speak with the locals. They are awesome and are more than willing to help you with your 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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'