Alcala de Henares: A Totally Fresh Experience Past Review
By Ethan S (Telecommunications Management., Bowling Green State University) for
Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain
Words can't describe how impactful and life-changing this experience was.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
THe experience was one i will never forget. Everything about the program was incredible. From the professors, to the host families, I absolutely loved every aspect. The professors did amazing at demonstrating how a classroom in spain is run, very different than a US classroom. I loved getting BG credit for my classes abraod. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was more than happy to offer tutoring, if needed. Tutoring sessions occurred twice a week, and really helped. The other faculty who assisted with the trip were incredibly helpful, as they were always available as a resource if you wanted to travel elsewhere, or just looking for something to do around the city. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The program does an excellent job in housing you with families and in accommodations that maximize the potential of your success. The families are incredibly friendly and make sure that all your needs are taken care of. The most language learning happened at home, when we would talk with our host families for hours. |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is so tasty. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program sets you up for social success, so that you can go out and really enjoy all the aspects of the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The staff was always checking in to see how we were feeling. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take all cash. Only have your card for emergencies. I kept all my cash in 3 different envelopes, one for souvenirs, one for traveling, and another for food/drinks/partying. I only took money when i needed it, and it helped me budget wisely. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300-level |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
There was a language component, where our host families, professors, and faculty rated us based on how much we tried to incorporate the language into our everyday lives in Spain. Its great that it was pass/fail so that those who don't know the language as well were passed for at least trying to apply the skills they learned in Spain. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who would benefit the most fromt his program are those who have a desire to learn about other cultures, ways of life, and especially the Spanish language. If you are looking for a totally immersive experience where you actually accustom yourself to the life of a Spaniard, so much so that you actually feel like a Spaniard, then this is the program for you. If you are open to new experiences, new people, new food, and a hell of a lot of fun, then study abroad in Spain! |
