<p>I will be doing plenty of my own research but just figured I would put out a post for anyone who has traveled abroad and/or can offer some advice... I'm an incoming sophomore and am looking to study abroad during the Fall semester of my Junior year (though I will do spring if need be).</p>
<p>I am thinking that I'd like to go to a Spanish speaking country, as I already speak a little Spanish and would like to become fluent. That leaves the options to Spain, Mexico, and South America, I guess. However, I am flexible as to where I'm going as long as I can find a place that suits my interests...</p>
<p>In terms of what type of program I'm looking for... I'd like it to be a flexible program where I have the option of taking a wide variety of courses. Ideally (though I know this will be tough to find), I would like to go someplace where I can take both biology courses as well as some film courses (or at least go to a school that has both so that I can try to participate in both, if I'm not taking the courses). </p>
<p>Does anybody happen to know of anyplace that has a program like this? How about outside of Spanish-speaking countries?</p>
<p>My personal information aside, I'm curious to see what other people think are the best (and worst) places to study abroad... Most people who go abroad have an awesome time, so I'm sure there are tons of answers, but I'm curious to see what people think...</p>
<p>Thank you so much for any help you can offer!</p>
<p>Look at API--Academic Programs International. Our daughter did her study abroad last semester in Florence, Italy, and it was the best experience imaginable. They also offer programs in Spain. I'm not sure if they have exactly what you're looking for, but you can check it out on this link. Good luck!</p>
<p>Something to keep in mind--are you going to be able to understand a biology course that's taught in Spanish, or do you need to find a program that offers classes that you want to take in English?</p>
<p>I have thought about that. I'd obviously prefer to have the class taught in English, which is something I'll have to take into account.</p>
<p>Another question for anyone out there: what South American countries have dialects that are similar to traditional Spanish? If I become fluent in Spanish, I'd like to be fluent in a more common dialect. Argentina, for example, has a dialect and accents that distinguish it a bit from traditional spanish, etc.</p>
<p>D is currently in Ecuador and having a blast. Just finishing up a month of an intensive language program and then will start at Universidad San Francisco de Quito next week. Program includes a week in the Galapagos and other excursions to various parts of the country. She can't say enough good about it.</p>
<p>I don't know anything about studying abroad, but I do know about Argentina since you mentioned it. There really is no "non-traditional" spanish. In argentina you will pronounce y's and ll's differently (everywhere else the word llamar, to call, would be pronounced yamar, but in argentina its jamar), but that's not that big of a deal. Also, in Argentina they use the "vos" (you) form (which I in fact did not know when I went there and learned in about a week). The only difference between argentinean and other spanish is the vos form (which is barely any different at all), the accent, and the inflection somewhat (but then again that's just accent). I lived in Argentina for 2 months. Ecuador, on the other hand, I suppose could be considered "traditional" as it uses the tu form (most common) and pronounces y's and ll's like y's, though there is still an ecuadorian accent. I lived in Ecuador for a little more than a month. My spanish is pretty argentinean now and I can tell you I understand people from mexico, spain, etc. just as well and they understand me. There are some different words that they only use in Argentina, but in every country there are words they only use there, and it really doesn't make a difference in the end. Argentina is a beautiful place with an amazing and rich culture... I will certainly go back there and hope to study there when I get into college (I'm a senior now). If you have any more questions just ask.</p>
<p>My program with CEA is an intermediate language program at the University of Seville...there are a couple of film classes available this semester: contemporary spanish film and tracing the greeks and romans through film. However, these classes are all in Spanish</p>
<p>There is also a program involving liberal arts and sciences in Seville and I know there are film classes taught in English.</p>
<p>Seville is a beautiful city. It's less modern and touristy than Madrid and Barcelona, and the people here are just great.</p>
<p>I studied abroad in Spain (Madrid) and had an amazing time. I did not speak Spanish at all before I went (too shy, too timid, limited practice at my University) but I did have 3 semesters worth of grammar under my belt. Yes, they use the vosotros form. However, if you go abroad, my #1 advice would be to cut yourself off from the other Americans abroad. Use study abroad for what it is, an experience to really immerse yourself with a language and culture. Most students from my Univesity (Georgetown) stuck together and spoke English the entire time. My best girlfriend and I made it a pact to not speak english and ended up having the best overall experience (relative to the others' responses). Enjoy! let us know what you decide.</p>
<p>Studying abroad in China was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. I got to experience first hand what it was like in a country that had a booming economy and endless opportunities. My command of the language has increased tremendously, my computer science and business professors helped to even open up my own business that help foreign international students edit their essays. </p>
<p>DD loved Chile and studied at the Catolica universidad there. You can go with a program (IES for example) or just register directly with the university. It helps to know some spanish since classes are in spanish</p>