A time that has changed me forever! Past Review

By (Spanish/Business, University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/12/2015 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?
I learned about myself and how many chances I would take, to me this was a very important thing. I had the time of my life, and I wouldn't take back this experience if I had the choice.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I traveled a lot so that is where a lot of my expenses were allotted for.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 150 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to plan so much, part of the experience is making mistakes and learning. Don't stress the small stuff because everything works out. And start saving as soon as you make the decision to go.

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

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? Highest composition classes
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? Meet people within the city, they are (mostly) nice and are eager to learn English as well! Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 people
  • Speaking Spanish
  • Being able to travel
* What could be improved?
  • More people within the program
  • Cheaper
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There were only going to be eight people in my program.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'