A Semester in Spain Was a Formative Part of My College Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was manageable, grading system fair, teaching methods similar.

On-site administration of your program

I do not think that my Host Country Program and its faculty could have been any better. They were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, experienced, supportive, and always available if there was a student had ANY concern at all. My expectations were FAR exceeded. The program size was larger my semester than normally, but was still manageable considering we were divided into three programs (language in context, language and culture, liberal arts). They also offered plenty of classes so our small class sizes (sometimes as few as 2 students) made the program seem much more intimate.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was the most amazing, enriching part of my experience and I think that most students in my program would say the same! CIEE did such a great job of matching students with families based on requests (children, no children, animals, smoking, etc.) and if a student didn't feel like it was a good fit, they would re-match them or find dorm housing! CIEE did all the work for us, I didn't have to make any arrangements for my housing, it was set up when we got there. They had our families come pick us up at the end of orientation. My neighborhood felt very safe and I loved feeling like a part of a community. The university is a 20-minute ride from downtown Alicante, so I had to take the bus to class, but the stop was right outside my apartment. Riding the bus to the university is a completely normal part of a Spanish-students life, so it was all part of the experience. Nightlife was all located in one area and from my apartment was probably a 10-15 minute walk. I would often take the bus. I didn't need to buy anything to settle-in: they had towels, kitchenware, sheets, etc. My host family treated me like a daughter and I treated them like parents. They are like my second family and I could not have felt more welcome/at home.

My parents knew that I didn't like seafood and certain other foods (I'm fairly picky) and never pushed me to eat anything that I did not want to eat. There was always plenty of food and if I wanted second helpings they were always happy to give me more. There are plenty of great cafes and restaurants in Alicante, the best way to find out is just to try go into a new place every time you go out to eat.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on field trips to many surrounding villages, and Valencia, Barcelona, and Granada with the program. Every week they offered a social/cultural activity (going to the movies, cooking classes, dancing classes, museums, festival trips).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Alicante is a very safe city, but like ANY city in ANY country you must follow some common sense rules: don't walk alone at night, don't let your belongings out of site, make sure your bag is always on your body and zipped up, don't carry expensive items, etc. I was feeling very sick and told my program director, he immediately called the university health center and got me an appointment, which he accompanied me to. It was so easy and free! No vaccines necessary.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I used my host country language in everyday interactions, with all the students in my programs, with professors, and mostly, with my host family! Most people in the program (professors, directors) spoke perfect english, but many regular citizens/spanish students do not speak a lot of English.

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• Host Family
• Dorm

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• Host Family

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• Americans