A Summer in Spain Past Review
By Sarah V (Spanish Language and Literature., Western Washington University) for
University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained knowledge of the Spanish language and how to be respectful in a country that's not your own. Also, how it feels to have a language barrier and being completely lost. Back in the U.S. I have gained patience for those studying abroad at my own university. In the future I want to return to Europe to continue my voyage.
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. |
The workload was pretty light and I was able to finish the daily homework in about an hour. The credits transferred without issue to my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty leader was very familiar with the area and was very helpful when needed. I got sick while abroad and I was immediately taken to the doctor and given medicine for a speedy recovery. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was included in the program price except for the hostel in Madrid for the last couple days. At the university housing, the staff was very friendly and all I had to provide were my own toiletries. I had my own room with private bathroom. |
| * Food: |
The food at most restaurants was delicious, especially the pastries! But the dorm food was...dorm food and not very filling. It was fine for the month I was there though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went to a different city every weekend around Spain, and one weekend we went to the beach of Portugal. It was amazing! The architecture around the country was beautiful. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe most of the time, however I only walked alone once or twice. Especially at night I made sure I always had at least one other person with me. The city I was in had a lot of students but there were still some creepy people that walked around as well. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice with other in the groups as well as in class. I used the host country language everyday around town, almost no one could speak English except those in my group and other American students. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Make sure you bring a good camera and don't worry too much. The classes are laid back without stress but you still learn. If you want to get the most out of the program a certain amount of independence to take charge and get the most out of the experience. |
