Self Discovery and Fun Rolled into One! Past Review
By Aliya N (Economics., Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
CIEE: Alicante - Language & Culture
I learned a lot about myself. I realized how strong I was and how much I have to offer. It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved my teachers and they worked really well to help with learn the language as well as the material. However, the strict attendance policy and its effect on your grades was a little annoying, particularly when trying to get in some non program traveling. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Carla was so sweet and very helpful. She really goes out of her way to make sure you're comfortable and happy with your experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was phenomenal. The best family I could have asked for! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Of course, it was a little difficult connecting with people in a different language and culture but everyone was very social and open. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Alicante was so safe. I felt as comfortable here as I do in my hometown. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Living on a student's budget is really easy, especially since meals are included in the tuition. The only expensive part is budgeting for traveling. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 20 euro a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Stick to your budget. Plan traveling ahead of time to get the best prices. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Level 30 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Make friends with the locals and spend a lot of time with your family. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The more you put yourself out there, the more you'll get from the experience. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
