Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life-Changing Semester Past Review

By (University of Alcalá) - abroad from 01/10/2005 to 05/20/2015 with

Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Alcala was the best experience of college, and one of the best decisions I have ever made. A small, charming Spanish town with a program that emphasizes language use. The directors and program staff were amazing and supportive, also very encouraging of us speaking in Spanish all the time. I met great friends, and developed a love for Spanish culture that keeps me going back for more.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably $50 or less 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

We were encouraged to speak in Spanish all the time. We were the only student paired with our host families to ensure that we spoke Spanish while there. It helped my language skills tremendously.

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? I think 2000 and/or 3000 level.
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? I think you just have to experience it. Learning in school is a lot different than using it to communicate in conversation.

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?
  • Language emphasis
  • Friends I met while there
  • The town of Alcala
* What could be improved?
  • I would've liked to know about my host family before arriving
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to be scared. I was so nervous about living in a foreign country without knowing anyone, but I gained life-long friends and always had the support of the program staff and my host family.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!