4 months of ham, cheese and churros! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Rollins College) for

University of Oviedo: Oviedo - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I came back almost fully fluent with a new understanding of a completely separate culture from my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was exceptionally easy but I learned a lot of interesting, new and helpful information.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Paco was absolutely incredible. I feel like I would have been lost without him. My host mom was alright but she was not very warm and welcoming and I really didn't have the opportunity to get to know her or spend quality time with her/her daughter. It was good to have a small group because we were able to arrange travel together and have a good, close-knit support system.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

At times she would only feed me soup at dinner and it was not nearly enough but I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask for more to eat. The quality of food in general, however was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met a lot of locals and foreigners between classes and going out at night.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt completely safe walking around Oviedo at 3am. Never an issue.

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? I would say that I spent around 100 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The amount of coffee you will drink especially if you go to an internet cafe.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 201
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced language with my house mom, a designated conversation partner and everyone else in the city since English was rarely spoken(if ever).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Have an open mind from the moment you get on the plane because nothing will be like what you are used to.