Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was amazing but it can be improved! Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/09/2016 to 05/22/2016 with

University of Northern Iowa: Oviedo - Study Abroad at Universidad de Oviedo / LCDLL

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am now nearly fluent in Spanish and I saw an incredible amount of Europe!

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

I would choose the same programs and go about everything differently, as well as try to make improvements such as better coordinating, better preparedness, and more immersive schooling.

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? Not very much! My host mother made breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend everything your first weeks there - make it last the whole time even though you might get excited to buy all the things right away.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A level 3 course.
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? Speak with your host family and find people to speak with who want to practice their English in the country. You speak Spanish to them, and they speak English to you, and you both get better!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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

  • 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 international friends I made
  • The traveling I did
  • How close I lived to campus
* What could be improved?
  • Coordination
  • Immersion with Spanish students
  • Access to a gym and choice of food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that people dress the same there (just about) as they dress here. I was told before going that they were much fancier and wore business casual everywhere so I could have brought more comfortable clothing. I also wish I would have known that it is rarely warm and it constantly rains in Oviedo. I could have been more prepared with my wardrobe in that aspect as well.

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!