Unforgettable Study Abroad experience in Spain. Past Review
By Hannah K (University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 04/20/2012 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE)
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile. Knowledge of the culture and customs and history as well as gaining fluency in the language and an abundance of new friends amounts to a priceless experience.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 10-30 Euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not waste a ton of money on admittance to clubs or alcohol. Many of the clubs have specialty nights where drinks are very cheap (free sangria or 1 euro) and no cover charge if you get there before a 1am or so. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | The last course required for completing the Spanish Minor |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Have conversation with your host family and get to know them. Also, when you go out, interact with the locals - that's the best way to learn the local slang and terms. Ask questions in language classes. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | How cold the Spanish winters are. |
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