I feel like I have another family in Spain - as well as America! 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?
My language improved significantly and I felt really immersed in the culture. 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.

Great local professors, especially the literature professor

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Struggled to get into contact with our on-site host, she was not very reliable answering texts and emails.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the best experience with the location, host family and housing that I had! So great

* Food:

My host mother was an excellent cook and I was able to experience a variety of local food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Great experience with my host family. However, we only had classes WITH UConn in Granada students. I wish I had the chance to integrate with other students in the Center of Modern Languages of the University.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No healthcare issues.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in my school and neighborhood.

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

I would pick this program for the host family component. However, I was so disappointed that I did not get to experience class outside of UConn.

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)

Because food was provided for, I felt very comfortable financially in the city and the local expenses were not extravagant.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of your host family's food - its a great way to save money and enjoy the local cuisine!

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

Spanish was used at home and in class

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? 3000 level Spanish
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 use Spanish with the UConn participants too!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Language Immersion
  • Cultural Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • On-Site UConn Advisor
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. My only advice is go in with an open mind

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.