Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beyond Learning a Language Past Review

By (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/11/2018 with

CIEE: Alicante - Language & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course! Not only did I get a better handle on the language, but I also pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone and have fun while traveling and exploring novel cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family I stayed with was very friendly and relaxed about me coming and going in and out of the house.

* Food:

The host mother I stayed with was very accommodating with my requests of eating healthy food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very welcomed

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt in danger

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program I partnered with for my study abroad experience was very organized and supportive of it's students.

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? Not very much at all. I did not purchase food except when I went out to eat or drink with friends.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2
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? Adopt a growth mindset and do not attach ego to the skill as you are learning/practicing. PRACTICE>

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The adventures. Getting lost in a new city, new country and exploring on my own.
  • Hostels. When I would travel I would stay at hostels and meet extraordinary travelers there.
  • The Spanish people were similar and different to the people I associate with in the states and exploring the similarities and differences was such an enlightening experience.
* What could be improved?
  • A homework or after class study session program
  • More travel opportunities with the program students
  • More of a focus on conversational skills in the language
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know that traveling alone is an amazing experience. Initially I was traveling with friends, but being a solo traveler opens up much more opportunities to meet people and get more immersed into the culture.

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 Adventurer
The 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.