The best time I have ever had in my life with the best people I've ever met. Past Review
By Kevin S (Marketing., Northeastern University) - abroad from 01/07/2009 to 05/06/2013 with
CIEE: Alicante - Language & Culture
I learned things about myself that would not have been possible without this program, and I gained the best friends anyone could ask for. It was worthwhile times 10. Sublime is the only word suitable to describe my experience.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
What can I say? This was the best experience that I've EVER had in my life. You have everything that you need in Alicante. I also met some of my best friends who I still talk to 4 years after the program ended. I learned a lot of spanish, but more importantly, I learned a lot about different cultures and myself. I learned more from this program than I ever have during a semester; it truly is inexplicable. Viva Alicante! - Kevin S. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The locals are amazing. Immerse yourself and you will be rewarded. Hang out with other american students, but remember to stray out of your comfort zone. I revisited a friend who lives in Alicante after 2 years! This friend, an Alicante native, really helped me to understand the culture. Pili, you are awesome! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-150 Euros, but I traveled quite a bit. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat with your host parents as much as you can! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Meet a local, make friends from Alicante. It's the only way! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go far away from your girlfriend. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
