A must for university students! Past Review

By (Instituto Franklin-UAH) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 04/28/2016 with

Universidad de León: León - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There are so many life lessons that I learned while I was abroad. It was definitely worthwhile. From the mistakes I made abroad, it made me realize that I need to be more cultured and be more open minded. It truly broadened my horizons, but I can't exactly say how or when it happened.

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.

The academic intensity is based upon your level of the language. Basically, the more you know, the more you'll be able to comprehend. I did not have any exposure to much Spanish before I started the program; however, there were many resources that I could turn to in order to be successful in my courses.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were so helpful and supportive. I always felt comfortable if any problem came up.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first, it was difficult to get along with my family, because I am quite reserved. However, I had to make a choice of overcoming the cultural differences and explaining the differences to my host family. I got along with them greatly after that.

* Food:

I think this depends on your host family. However, my host mom was an amazing cook. I still miss her food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had an amazing time with the local people, especially with my intercambio.

* 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

The reason why I chose this program is that it had the aspect of living with a host family. I thought this would be a great way for me to integrate myself in the culture.

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)

This depends on how much you want to travel and go out. If you like to go out and travel, it would be difficult to live on a student's budget. However, if you don't, I would assume that it'd be easy to live on a student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for cheap flights, hostels, and airbnbs. Also, book your spring break trip EARLY!

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

There was so much encouragement to use Spanish in classes and with the professors. It was difficult at first, but it really improves your Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish I
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? If you don't want to struggle as much as I did, study Spanish before going to Spain. I only studied Spanish for a semester before going and it was a struggle at first. However, i was able to overcome the language barrier with the big support system I had there.

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?
  • Host family
  • Food
  • Supportive professors
* What could be improved?
  • Cultural differences
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I need more knowledge of Spanish.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'