Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Vacation in Alicante Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/15/2012 to 12/25/2012 with

CIEE: Alicante - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had never been out of the US, so it was eye-opening and educational. I could only take Spanish classes because of the program, and so not having all of the rigorous business classes made me very relaxed. I really appreciated a semester of "Spanish time".

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were not that rigorous and the entire trip felt like a vacation aside from finals.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Didn't take us on all of the trips or offer all of the classes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love my host family- home away from home.

* Food:

All home-cooked meals

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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)

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? Have an only Spanish-speaking host family!

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Learning Spanish
  • Fun kids
  • Different lifestyle
* What could be improved?
  • Staff
  • Health services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring my own deodorant from home. Spray on is not fun..

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.