Alicante, Spain: An Experience that Will Last for a Lifetime Past Review
By Anna K (Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management, University of Wisconsin - Stout) for
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Alicante, Spain
This experience was well worthwhile, and I will use the knowledge that I gained all throughout my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Fairly laid back, different styles of teaching |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The major weakness of the Administration of the program was that it is understaffed; however, it was organized really nicely. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a host family in the city center which was about a 20 minute bus ride to the college. The location was great and enabled me to be involved in the local activities including a 10 minute walk to the beach, being surrounded by local shops, and about a 2 minute walk from the main nightlife. As far as my family life went, I was treated as my madre's own daughter, she was wonderful! |
| * Food: |
There was massive amounts of food provided to me; some meals were a bit different that the States consisting of liver, lentil soup, and Mediterranean seafood vs. US generic fish. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program provided two inclusive excursion in cities in Spain; they were very cool. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never once felt insecure in Alicante. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
There were many opportunities to speak Spanish with others; the main person being the local that you live with. It was essential to practice and utilize the Spanish language in order to function in your everyday life. There were quite a few people that did speak English; however, most spoke little to none. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Definitely step outside of your box and also immerse yourself in the culture completely. Try to stay involved with as many things that reflect the culture of your host country. |
