Need some advice.

Applying to College
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<p>I'm having trouble deciding where to study abroad.</p>

<p>I originally thought I wanted to go to Spain, even though I would only have one semester of college Spanish. There is a program where you don't need to know much Spanish, and the whole point of the program is to take intensive Spanish and to be immersed in the language. However, I recently switched my major to English and it would be hard to take any literature classes there to go towards the major, and I need to take English classes every semester if I'm going to graduate on time. Furthermore, although I want to travel around Spain, I feel as though I wouldn't be able to travel around Europe as much. And, although Spain still appeals to me, I have since looked at other options that appeal just as much. </p>

<p>I was considering Stirling, Scotland, but it would be cold. I can handle cold, but I feel like I would enjoy weather a little bit better during studying abroad. </p>

<p>Then I thought that I should try the experience of a big city, so I looked at London. (I have never lived in a big city before, and have rarely visited any of the major cities in the US). Furthermore, if I was in London, I would be closer to the rest of Europe and if I plan my classes right, would have long weekends to occasionally take a train to other countries. Also, London doesn't start until Sept. 20ish, and I was considering going a few weeks early to travel around. </p>

<p>A couple things concern me with London. I am a cross country and track runner, and I realize I would miss out on a cross country season, but I would really really like to be able to run decent mileage while in London. Would this be hard to do there?</p>

<p>Also, I have read student evaluations through different study abroad programs, and when I see the question "Would you recommend this program to a friend?", although most people agree, an alarming enough of people say "strongly disagree" and makes me concerned. With Spain, it seemed to have higher ratings. </p>

<p>Also, if anybody has experience with any of these, the programs, universities, or cities, please comment. In Spain, I'm considering Alicante. Stirling, Scotland. In London I am seriously considering Goldsmiths University or University College London. All these programs are through CIEE except for the Stirling, Scotland.</p>

<p>And finally, I am willing to consider other options. Possibly Sweden, Prague, South Africa, or anywhere else. Suggestions? On one hand, the experience of Scottish Highlands or the big international city of London would be a great new experience for me, but the UK in general would be less different to the US than many other options. I am afraid I might regret not taking the opportunity to go to a more, not really "exotic," but just a lot more different from what I know in the US.</p>

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<p>It is a hard decision for sure. </p>

<p>Have you looked at the many other Spain programs through CIEE? They have TONS in almost every major city in Spain. Also, if it is an option, look at CISAbroad.com - they have some pretty good programs in Spain, including language immersion. </p>

<p>Goodluck in whatever you choose, I know for me personally when deciding where to go, I wanted to go somewhere that would enable me to experience a whole other language and culture and be immersed in a completely different environment than I had ever been in before – I knew I wanted to study in a non-english speaking country (as a primary language).</p>

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<p>I have looked at some of the other Spanish programs, but I would not have enough semesters of the Spanish language to go to them. Honestly, Alicante looks great, so if I went to Spain, the choice of Spanish cities is not the limiting factor. </p>

<p>I don’t know. It’s a trough decision, but I guess it is a good problem to have, and I’m sure wherever I go will be a great experience. But that doesn’t mean the choice isn’t important!</p>

<p>As far as London goes, does anybody have thoughts on choosing between Goldsmiths and University College London. I know UCL is pretty prestigious and has had several VERY notable alumni (Gandhi, and the members of Coldplay and 2 of the members from Keane, 2 band I absolutely love!), however, Goldsmiths seems more artsy and liberal (think of socialist working class type of backgrounds). Both would put me near enough central London, but I feel like the environment would be different, and although I know studies are very important, perhaps UCL would be a little tougher than I want and would keep me away from traveling any extra.</p>

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<p>Your absolutely right! No matter where you end up going, it will be a great experience!</p>

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