Incredible experience in Spain Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 12/28/2015 to 01/08/2016 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?
Language, experience, and a better worldview! Plus friends!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a great experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Five girls, two rooms, one small bathroom! Not a lot of space!

* Food:

Sometimes our host mom tried to cook "American" food whereas I preferred the native food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Amazing!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luggage issues were solved and the institution was very helpful!

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was worth the money!

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 went abroad thinking I would spend about $800 and I guessed right with shopping, food for snacks, and other necessities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I borrowed money from a family member! It was necessary!

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? Advanced
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? 3000 level courses
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? Speak Speak Speak with natives and advisors/professors

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Traveling
  • Food/alcohol
  • friends
* What could be improved?
  • course structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You walk A LOT!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Historical Monuments of Seville, Cordoba, & Granada

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Field trips were fun and entertaining! The professors teaching style was a little hard to follow and a lot of information was missed because of his accent or lack of lecture type classes.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues with the credits transferring!