I have not words to describe how Amazing it was. Past Review
By A student (Communication and Spanish, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/26/2011 to 06/15/2012 with
CIEE: Alicante - Liberal Arts
Definitely worthwhile. I would do it again and again. I can't really say in this tiny space what I learned just that the whole thing was incredible and amazing. Do it. Alicante is beautiful and amazing.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Alicante CIEE Liberal Arts Center |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people at the office there are awesome! So helpful and always there if you need anything. It's a small program so you get lots of personal attention. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I LOVED MY MADRE!!! I lived with a mother, father, their dog Tyson and their 24 year old daughter. It was idilic. |
| * Food: |
Food in Spanish is delicious ESPECIALLY if you like seafood. At least in Alicante the seafood is fantastic! They only downside is there's little to no spicy food so pack your own hot sauce! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was very integrated but that's because I was very determined to be a part of Spanish culture. I went to intercambios, I made Spanish friends, I made other foreign friends and I know I had a much better experience than the Americans who just hung out with other Americans. I'm going back for New Years actually because I have friends whom I can stay with. It was a marvelous experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The health care there was great in my opinion. It was very easy to see the university doctor but I never had to deal with an emergency. |
| * Safety: |
The only real issue with Alicante is the occasional pickpocket. I would say it got worse as the year went on and the crisis became worse but for the most part just watch your drink and your purse and you're fine! |
| 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) |
Alicante was very cheap to live in. I found it very accessible and for the most part very cheap. The only thing that could get pricey were drinks. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe 20 euros? so like 30 dollars. Just snack food and drinks, clubs in Alicante NEVER cost to get in so just a couple little things. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to only spend so much per week on your extra expenses. Don't go shopping every two seconds you can recycle your wardrobe and look for every possible way to get somewhere before you just drop 200 euro on a flight. There is ALWAYS a cheaper way. Also if there are major parties or holidays or festivals you want to attend across Europe make sure you make plans very far in advance. |
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 |
We spoke spanish constantly. We only had Thursday night's off. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Grammar |
| 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? | Don't hang out with other Americans, spend lots of time with your Spanish family and make lots of foreign friends who don't speak English! |
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?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | Pack durable clothes! They're gonna go through hell. |
