Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Perspective Past Review

By (Loras College) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 05/07/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was worth more than I can even describe. It was expensive, yes, but it showed me that I want to spend my money on experiences like these: experiences that I will remember forever. I learned a lot about myself, what I am good at, and what I am able to accomplish. I learned about a culture that is very different from my own, and I gained an appreciation for the power of language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

My host family was FANTASTIC.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did not have class with any university students, and were really only introduced to other international students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, I had to visit the hospital multiple times. With universal healthcare, it was more accessible and less expensive than at home. Obviously it was difficult, because I have limited speaking capabilities, but they worked with me.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe. I walked around at night, even by myself, and was never worried or uneasy. It is a university town, so there are a lot of students walking around, and you often see people you know.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I thought this program was well organized and well run. We were well taken care of, I never felt unsafe, and I learned a lot. I made connections and friends that will last a lifetime.

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your money for travelling. Eat in your host family's home. This will help you with your Spanish, and it will save you money. Use that money to travel everywhere.

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 had class only with other Americans. This, in a sense, discouraged the use of 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? 350
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? Talk to your host family and make friends with people who speak Spanish. We went out a lot with our American group, and we obviously didn't speak Spanish. When we had other friends with us, it encouraged us to speak Spanish together.

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 families
  • Small city (Santiago de Compostela)
  • Service componenet
* What could be improved?
  • Length (stay through the summer?)
  • Have at least one class with university students
  • Fewer required school activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known a little bit more about my specific host city. I also wish I had known more about my internship and service locations. I also wish I would have contacted my host family before arriving.

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!