Instituto Franklin-Universidad de Alcala

Take advantage of every opportunity. This program had several free excursions that they went on throughout the semester. There were some I went to, and others that I did not. Later on, I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunity to go on excursions with this program because I gain more insight on monuments, churches, and landmarks in comparison to going alone or with friends.

Classes are from Monday to Thursday, and they start at 9:30 am and end by 2 pm. The class schedule was probably one of my favorite parts of this program. With all of my classes, I went to school by 10:30 am, and I left by 2 pm. I was at 12 credit hours.

There's the opportunity for job shadowing, volunteering, and even internships, which I took advantage of while abroad.

My biggest fear was living with a host family.

I was a little worried about my safety, acceptance, and living situation. I was worried that my living style would be too different than theirs, but none of those the case at all. I overcame it by not forcing a relationship with them, but and talking to them as friends.

This quickly built a great relationship with my host family, and while I still understand other student's fears of the unexpected regarding host families, talking with them and making an effort to not feel like a stranger is what makes the difference.

The education system of Spain (and what I was told, Europe) is very different in comparison to the United States. There are not many assignments and very few tests. The few tests (midterm, final, final essay, etc.) count for the majority of the student's grade.

This was difficult getting used to, knowing that a single test could hurt or help your grade significantly, but it allowed me to experience a different kind of successful educational system. With my program, there weren't many student organizations to join or school sports, but the university tried to supplement that with football games and different activities throughout the semester.

I have heard different stories, in general, they are related to the growth as a person. Students come with an idea of what Spain may be but after they have been in the country for a few weeks they start to feel more at home and they understand better the culture, the language, etc. Just that makes them change their perspective. Also taking courses with Spanish professors is something they like because the system is different.

I would go on the International Studies Program because it allows me to be immersed in the culture, I can live with a host family, which gives me a true reality of the culture, the food, the language, the way of living, etc. Also, because I can enrol in courses related to different disciplines. Finally, because I can visit some historical cities, museums, etc. So the experience is a complete one.

We are unique because we are part of a public university, but we can offer the same services as a private provider. Also, because we have different programs for different students.

I was especially proud of my team when there were difficulties and we all worked together for the best. Also, when we helped students and the students saw that we were there to help them.

I believe the most important thing is trust, without it universities and students would not want to come to our programs. Also, recognizing and accepting that there is always room for improvement and that we listen to our partners. Our objective is to provide students and partner institutions with the best possible academic and personal experience, and for that, we need to know how they see us and what they think about us.