Study abroad summer program?

Question

I am a student in high school and I was thinking about maybe doing a study abroad program in Spain for about 2 weeks. I would probably be going alone and I'm kind of concerned about making friends because I am shy.... Will I still have fun going alone?

And also, I'm not sure if I should I live with a family or if should I live in the dorms. I'm worried that if I live with a family I won't be able to communicate with them very well because I've only taken 3 years of spanish. Also, I think it might be even weirder because I am shy.

Does anyone have an experience with this or any reccomendations? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! : )

Answer 1

First of all, I think you should go for longer than two weeks. If you're paying the money to go all the way to Spain, you should stay for at least a semester. I'm planning to go somewhere in Europe as well next year, and I still can't decide over whether I should go for the whole year or just a semester.

Second, Ive heard that host families are the best to live with. If they are taking on an English student, they would probably know basic English. Three years of Spanish should be enough to communicate. I'm in Spanish 3 with five years of studying Spanish, and I've heard that once you know the basics, you learn so much more when you're in an all Spanish enviroment. I wouldnt worry about the language barrier if youve got three years of Spanish under your belt.

Answer 2

I lived in Denmark for a year when I was 17 - and yes, I went alone, as an exchange student.  I spoke none of the language when I went.

I would HIGHLY recommend living with a family.  Chances are they will speak some English.  Also, being around them, your Spanish will improve in ways that it just won't if you live at the dorm with other English speakers.  There is something about being immersed in a language and culture that really teaches you things, and is an amazing experience.  

Also, a family will be excited to have you, and will likely make an effort to show you things that you won't see and learn otherwise.

It is fine to be shy, but don't let it rob you of what could be a great experience.  Just hold your head up and decide to be brave!  Shyness CAN rob you if you let it.  

Do yourself a big favor. . . .stay with a family!  

Have fun and good luck!

Answer 3

It´s funny because 50% of students signing up in this type of programs express same concerns as yours and are by nature shy, but they still go because their inner side tells them this experience will help them open up and become more outgoing, and that is the exact result happening for all of them. Staff members are always there to help everyone feel involved with the rest of the kids. You will feel you are on same ground as others shy as you and you start feeling like talking and communicating. Your host family will as well help you out tremendously. Without a doubt Spain and to be exact Santander, where they speak the purest form of the Spanish language would be the place for you. It´s a beautiful and safe (considered one of safest places in Europe) fun beach resort. I can recommend a program all alumni have been raving about after their participation www.beautifulspain.com

Their host families are extremely well screened, loving and caring and have experience in hosting exchange students. This program allows you sign up with a friend with whom to stay in same host family home or different one. They also offer a few choices of families for you to give the final word for a perfect fit. You can request a family that speaks a bit of English if this makes you feel more at ease. This programs provides you with a Diploma for your resume, and college application.

Many participants are returnees from prior years that love coming year after year and stil manages to keep it as a small group for best individual attention.

The best part is that for its much lower cost than other programs includes fun and exciting activities such as cooking, Spanish language, dancing classes combined with others such as fireworks on the beach, bullfight, beach days, tallship boat trip, Aquarium, paella dinner, fishing village, medieval towns, canoeing down the river trip, Roman route hiking trip, Guggenheim museum, shopping the sales, city tour and much more. There is no more complete, fun and safe program at this low cost.

Good luck and enjoy!!

Answer 4

If you have any specific questions you can email me. I am really invovled with exchange programs.

But you should go alone, don't go with friends. It's a much better experience. And defintely stay with a host family. But I'm sure either way you will have tons of fun.