A chance to discover myself by seeing how the world is and how I can adapt. Past Review
By Britta S (Early Childhood Education, University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE)
I learned that my own culture in the USA is not the normal. Every place along with the USA has it's own culture that's unique in it's own way. By understanding this I have been able to be more open minded and less judgmental to new places and people. My abroad experience was most definitely worth while because of all of the people I met and the self growth I gained.
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. |
Every professor knew all the material regarding the subject they were teaching. Every single one of them was always willing to go the extra mile to help a student understand something better. They not only taught the students subject matter but also helped amerce them in to the Spanish culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration office and all of the people worked in the school was always willing to help any student with which every question or need they might need. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I love my Spanish mom and her daughter with all of my heart. She not only hosted my roommate and me but also included her in to her family. I will return to be reunited with her! |
| * Food: |
My Spanish mom always had a well rounded meal for us. I loved that we were able to experience the Spanish culture threw her cooking. Have never left so nourished! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
For the most part I felt pretty integrated. I feel like there could have been more intercambio nights that were set up so I could get the chance to meet more locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues during my time in Spain so nothing was needed to be addressed. If I did have something occur I feel that they would had been addressed in the proper way. |
| * Safety: |
Seville is a pretty safe city but with all cities there is a time that it can be unsafe. Avoid bad situations by ALWAYS being with someone when you walk back home from a night of partying. Also, be aware of your clothing when going out. There are people that can be handsy at the club so be prepared. For ladies, wearing spanks with your dress/skirt is a must. |
| 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) |
Because the housing/food/laundry was included not spending too much was not difficult. I had enough money to travel the amount I wanted and go out for tasty food and drinks. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Ruffly 30 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always check your bank account to know how much money you have. |
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 |
It encouraged me to use the language pretty much every day. Having a host family that doesn't speak any English really forced me to speak Spanish even when my brain had enough. Having most of my classes in Spanish also helped me improve my language. |
| 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? | I took some AP spanish classes in High School and higher intermediate in college |
| 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? | Take time to have conversations with your host family. It is the handiest and most convenient way to keep practicing of a daily bases. Don't be afraid to contact locals that you meet! They are just as excited about hanging out with you and you are with them. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | That the program is smaller. I was expecting a bigger school but in the end I was able to connect with the 6 students that were in my school. Just took a but of adjusting in the beginning because I'm used to bigger class sizes. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
