Life-Changing Past Review

By (Spanish, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 09/28/2014 to 12/21/2014 with

University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Other than academics, you learn a lot about different cultures and the contrast of new experiences and your home country. Well worth it!

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.

Classes were fairly simple. Hardly any homework but many tests.

* 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?

No student life or campus activities and it was hard to hang out with students when I lived with a host family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a parasite in Morocco. Spain healthcare was easy, quick and free.

* Safety:

Safer than home

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)

All depends on your budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Minimal

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? 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? Advanced writing
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? Don't spend so much time with American students.

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?
  • Spanish
  • Traveling
  • Everything being new to me
* What could be improved?
  • Traveling excursions led by host school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Budgeting

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.'