The Best Five Months of My Life Past Review
By Ashlan A (English and International Studies, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 04/30/2014 with
Universidad Pública de Navarra: Pamplona - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I realized that I am capable of so much. Whether it's booking a trip to Prague or ordering food in Spanish or figuring out the metro in Paris, I realized that with a little practice, I can do all of that. People constantly told me they were so amazed that I lived in another country for five months, but honestly, the hardest part for me was missing my loved ones back home. The world is so much more similar than most people realize, and Spain is such a wonderful country to go abroad to--the people, the food, the parties, the culture, everything rocks. My whole experience was worthwhile and I recommend studying abroad to everyone because you gain such a greater perspective on life!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick and needed a doctor--the school was very helpful, and so was the hospital I went to. The people made sure I was able to see any English-speaking doctor, and my insurance covered the cost. |
| * Safety: |
I was never worried about my safety in Pamplona. Honestly, I felt safer here than I do sometimes back home in South Carolina. People walk their dogs and children everywhere and not once did I feel threatened. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
After moving out of my host mom's house, I saved so much money. I don't think I ever spent more than 100 euros a month on food--Spain is a relatively cheap country! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 30 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Honestly, it's all about knowing how to manage your money. Don't eat out a lot, it's cheaper to cook at home. Don't blow all your money on alcohol, and honestly, the expensive touristy things aren't always worth the money-- sometimes a picture or looking from the outside will suffice! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were encouraged to speak Spanish a lot! Which was very helpful. |
| 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 202 |
| 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? | Just review before going abroad. I didn't and that was a mistake. Don't be scared to mess up--sometimes I didn't speak Spanish because I was worried I would mess up and embarrass myself. You're going to regardless, so just embrace it and do your best! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That you can live with other international students in apartments near the campus instead of living with a host mom. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
