A breath of fresh air. Past Review

By (Universidad de Alcalá) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 04/29/2015 with

Universidad de León: León - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From this experience I defnitely feel more cultured because I was exposed to different points of view when it came to academics. It was defintiely worthwhile because I re-evaluated my life everyday. I have even more dreams then what I came with.

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.

* 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?

In my opinion I think it would be more beneficial if I went to class with students who were from Spain. I went to school with Americans in Spain. I did not feel integrated because I was not actually in a Spanish setting when learning my course. This definitely took away from the experience.

* 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? 100euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? definitely start saving a year in advance.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? All of classes were advanced because I finished my Spanish Major while I was here.
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? Do not talk to your American friends in English

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field Trips
  • Professors/Staff
  • Volunteer Programs
* What could be improved?
  • Printing services
  • class cancellations because there werent enough students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would be going to school with other Americans. I was looking forward to studying with other Spanish students. I wanted to experience what a real student in Spain went through and witness and mimic how they evolve as students.

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!