The best decision of my college experience. Past Review
By A student (Environmental Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/22/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
CIEE: Alicante - Language & Culture
It was all worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned very much during my time in Alicante. Due to the 2-week intensive language component, the quality of professors at the center, and daily classes, you are able to learn a great deal (as long as you are willing to participate). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration at CIEE are wonderful and are incredibly willing and able to support their students in any matter. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
CIEE will help you if you have any dietary restrictions/needs. I am a vegetarian and they paired me with a family who has ample experience cooking for vegetarians and vegans. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you stick with Americans all day every day, you will not feel integrated. If you try your best to meet new people and discover things you will feel very much a part of the city. CIEE helps you meet people your age during Club de Español events—you will meet many Spaniards if you attend. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Super safe! |
| 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) |
You should study abroad to immerse yourself in a new place and learn as much as you can about that place/your program's subject. If you spend every weekend traveling, you will not have very much money and you will miss out on your host city. If you eat out a few times a week you will also be wasting money--most host family's prepare excellent food for their students (and you're paying them to do so anyway). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75 euros (unnecessary purchases) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You should study abroad to immerse yourself in a new place and learn as much as you can about that place/your program's subject. If you spend every weekend traveling, you will not have very much money and you will miss out on your host city. If you eat out a few times a week you will also be wasting money--most host family's prepare excellent food for their students (and you're paying them to do so anyway). |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | HISP 104 |
| 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? | Club de Español events! Speak with your host family as much as possible, get to know them! Go out and meet Spaniards! |
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? | It does get cold in Alicante during November and December but not that cold—bring summer clothes that you can layer during winter. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
