Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening Past Review

By (Spanish and International Studies, Loras College) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

Universidad De Santiago de Compostela: Santiago de Compostela - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I learned a lot about myself when having to step out of my comfort zone and live somewhere new for four months. I also learned a lot about who I am and who I appear to be through the eyes of people from all different countries.

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?

It would have been a little easier to feel integrated with the local culture had I taken classes with Spaniards and not just other international students.

* 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? 100 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everything costs more than you would imagine. There were a lot of expenses that are out of pocket, especially food and lodging during weekend trips. Take into consideration everything you will need to purchase right when you get there, such as toilitries, school supplies, clothes, a cell phone or SIM card, etc.

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? 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? SPA 460, about a B2 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? The best way to practice is to not be afraid to speak the language to anyone who even appears to be able to speak it. Had I practiced this more I probably would have felt more comfortable upon arriving in Spain.

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
  • International Students
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 city of Santiago de Compostela itself
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to have classes with more locals.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how hard it would be to come home and readjust to life in the US.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.