Salamanca: Frustrating but rewarding Past Review
By Samantha G (Kinesiology Pre- Physical Therapy Focus, Western Washington University) for
University of Salamanca: Salamanca - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes. I learned a lot about the culture, and was able to become fluent in the language. I saw some of the most amazing things that I wouldn't have experienced if I had not gone on the trip, and was able to really see what Spain was like.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | n/a |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload as well as the grading was extremely light, but very fair. I was hoping that the program itself was more structured than it was, but at the same time it was really nice to have time to figure things out, and do what I wanted to do. I really enjoyed the different excursions that we went on, and the fact that we were able to not worry about transportation there and back to them. The teaching style is very similar to that of American Universities, but the grading system itself is MUCH more forgiving! The percentage breakdown between the different letter grades was lower than the percentage difference, for example a B is a 70%. The academic workload itself, as far as homework, tests, quizzes and classwork was very light. We never really used the textbook that was given to us, but I still learned quite a bit. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program size was extremely large, but the class sizes were still small (about 20-25 students). We were able to converse with students from other countries, as well as students from different parts of the United States. The Salamantinos were extremely welcoming and patient with all of the students, and were more than willing to help out when needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We spoke mostly English in the Hostel. |
| * Food: |
I ate mostly bread and peaches. The food was not very good at all! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was a typical college town with a lot of bars, and different things to do. A lot of the students went to clubs and bars most of the nights. It was a great experience for those who really like doing that type of stuff, but there wasn't a whole lot to do for those who didn't really want to go out all of the time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just be aware of your surrounds, and don't get yourself in a situation where you are uncomfortable or are unsure of what might happen. The health care system was great, and students who were sick or had other problems were able to get what they needed and get taken care of. There were a few times where people got things stolen, but most of the time everyone was fine. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We had a conversation class for an hour every day which was taught by what would be the equivalent of a graduate student in an American University. My language improved vastly, and by the end of the program I was able to speak fluently. It was really nice being able to just speak in an environment where I was not afraid to make mistakes, but still be able to be corrected and expand my knowledge of the language itself. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
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? | Students who really like being social, and going out at night would enjoy the night-life in Salamanca. Those who are looking at more of an academic challenge might do well, but I would look else ware. |
