THE BEST STUDY ABROAD EVER Past Review
By A student (Bio, Zoo, Spanish, University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 05/26/2013 to 07/01/2013 with
Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain
I gained an insight into Spanish language and culture. I learned many practical things that I still use today. I made great friends.
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. |
I had the most fantastic teachers at Instituto Franklin. I learned so much about culture, history and life in Spain. I enjoyed my medical Spanish class because it gave me practical experience for the field I am going into (veterinary medicine). I loved my art history course because our professor really encouraged us to think deeply about the connections between history and art. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators in Spain were some of the nicest people I have ever met. They made me feel at home right away. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a kind, inquisitive family. I miss them! |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is the best - especially the ice cream and pastries! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
CIEE and el Instituto Franklin provided so many opportunities to be involved in local culture - kayaking, travel to different regions, watching a flamenco dance at a local theater, helping us find good bars and restaurants, etc... |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt 100% safe in Alcala. |
| 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) |
Given my educational trajectory, I am going to be in debt for a long time. The program was expensive because I did not receive a scholarship. |
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 |
English wasn't allowed in school. |
| 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? | Undergrad classes |
| 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? | Just speak it, even if you're not sure you're saying things correctly |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | N/A |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
