Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A wonderful summer in Spain Past Review

By (Finance, International Business, Villanova University) - abroad from 05/27/2014 to 07/01/2014 with

Villanova University: Cadiz - Intensive Spanish Language & Culture, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained more confidence in using the Spanish language and a greater understanding of Spanish culture

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A great Spanish immersion program in a wonderful city, courses at Universidad de Cádiz were good and host family stay was incredible

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Villanova-Universidad de Cádiz relationship is strong. We had a great experience taking classes at the university and also had excursions planned by them. The Villanova administrators on the program are awesome.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a Spanish woman (and a Villanova roommate) in her wonderful apartment with a beachfront balcony overlooking the ocean and Playa Victoria. A little far from class but we took public buses there and the location was incredible. Spanish improved so much through interacting with my great host mom.

* Food:

All food is provided by host family. My host mom always served delicious Spanish food. Keep in mind that meals are later: lunch around 3pm and dinner around 10pm.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not really meet local university students from Universidad de Cádiz. Language barrier can be hard at times. However, I got really close with my host mom and met some of her friends. By the end of the program, I was well-adjusted to life in Cádiz and felt more like a local.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have no experience with healthcare in the program

* Safety:

Overall a safe city, I had no problems. However due to Spain's economic troubles, petty theft crimes are common. Someone on the program got their wallet stolen.

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)

Since food is provided, only expenses are bus tickets, nightlife, and travel/sightseeing.

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

We used the language in class and in our home stays. However, among our American group we always spoke English. I kind of wish we were required to speak Spanish among our group.

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? Conversation and Composition I
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 a ton with your host family and try to explore on your own to use the language, don't travel in American packs like we sometimes did

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?
  • Classes were at a Spanish university
  • Host family stay was a great way to improve language ability's and learn about local lifestyles
  • Program included travel to various Spanish cities before and we had a 3-day weekend in the middle to travel
* What could be improved?
  • We spoke English a lot with our American group
  • There could be more opportunities to meet local university students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a small gift for your host family. And don't worry if you don't know anyone when you sign up for the program. I met a ton of friends!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Conversation and Composition II
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Spanish conversational class. We also learned some Spanish culture. Was not that challenging but then was graded hard.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Course Department:
Instructor: Literary and Cultural Experience of Spain
Instruction Language:
Comments: A course exploring 18th century and onward Spanish literature. Covered various literary movements. Read a lot of poetry. Spent too much time going over vocab in class though.
Credit Transfer Issues: