Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience that helped shape me into the person I want to be Past Review

By (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/15/2016 to 05/15/2016 with

UConn: Granada - UConn in Granada, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to take a step back, do things I might not normally do and step out of my comfort zone. I learned the importance of communication and about different culture and people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Course load/class time was a perfect balance

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I had to cook 2-3 times a week, did not have the home cooked spanish food experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since all my classes were with UConn students only and I lived with a host family, I had to work extra hard to integrate into the local culture, and in the end I met a lot of students from Erasmus and around Europe but not many from Spain.

* 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

I made the most of my time, I traveled, I immersed myself into the culture, I made friendships that will last a lifetime, had experiences that I will always cherish.

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)

It all depends on how often you go out and how you budget it. Some students spent less then 50 euros a week and others who spent more that 150 euros a week

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

Very little encouragement to speak in Spanish only when we needed to. When people in our program met other English speakers they went straight to English instead of Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Speak as much of the language as you can don't be afraid to make mistakes because that is how you learn. Also people are very impressed that you are trying to speak their language and will help you and speak slower with you if need be.

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the freedom
  • learning/living a new culture, lifestyle
  • having the opportunity to make the most of my experience
* What could be improved?
  • encouragment to use the language
  • integration
  • meeting more locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is fine to go out by yourself and meet people don't be confined to your group. The semester will fly by so make sure you don't regret any decisions you make, it is a once in a lifetime experience so make the most of it and don't let anything hold you back or tell you otherwise.

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.