Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

TAKE ME BACK Past Review

By (Spanish, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/13/2015 to 04/29/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The best experience I have had in my twenty years alive. Extremely worthwhile. I gained a lot of independence and learned a new language, about a new culture and met so many 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.

They were great. I enjoyed practicing my Spanish and learning about the culture in my classes!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were awesome! Carlos was a wonderful guide. Eva was a ray of sunshine. Antonio probably knows as much as the Encyclopedia. I loved each one of them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were awesome. My host mom was so nice,and we got along very well.

* Food:

LOVED THE FOOD.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living the day to day life and using the public transportation system, and shopping. I felt like a spaniard myself!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had none!

* Safety:

Alcala was very safe, I used to walk around alone all the time.

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)

Traveling is very costly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 80$ or more, If I was not traveling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? YES. Book all of your trips right when you go, the earlier the better and the more money you save.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • The administration
  • The trips
  • Alcala itself
* What could be improved?
  • More intercambio!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not much!

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!