Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Time of my life! Past Review

By (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 09/15/2014 to 01/16/2015 with

University of Zaragoza: Zaragoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence, independence, and language skills to name a few things. It was definitely worthwhile and I'd choose to do it all over again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The exams were structured very different from what I am used to, making them much more difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international office and all my professors were very kind to me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wasn't sure what to expect, but found a good apartment for a low price in a great location! It wasn't the nicest of places but served it's purpose for a semester abroad.

* Food:

The food was different than what I normally eat and I loved it, though I do not share the Spanish love of jam.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated with the local culture. The city of Zaragoza has a small town feeling with the accommodations of a big city. It was nearly impossible not to feel integrated with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any serious health problems that needed addressed. I had a cold and was able to locate a pharmacy and get the medicine I needed without problems.

* Safety:

Like any city there were places to avoid going alone or after dark, but overall it was a very safe city and I never felt that I was in danger.

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 generally spent less than $100 per week

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

It wasn't optional for me. I used the language every day for every day conversations and for school. I didn't always use it at home since I lived with a german roommate who normally spoke with me in english.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had completed a spanish minor at OSU
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? If you are in Zaragoza it shouldn't be a problem. Just get out there and talk with the local people. Close to no one speaks english so you get tons of practice. They love Americans and are very willing to slow down to speak with you.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 direct integration into the classes with the local students in the University.
* What could be improved?
  • Some extra assistance or information on getting there and getting settled would have been useful.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know 5 months is not a long time and I wish I could have planned to stay for at least a year.

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!