Life changing and incredible Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 07/14/2012 with

CIEE: Alicante - Summer Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I gained so much knowledge about Spain's culture and language, as well as my own country in comparison. I gained life-long friends and memories I'll cherish forever!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: The University of Alicante
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were fast-paced due to the condensed summer schedule, but taught well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors and administration were extremely welcoming and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Be aware of your surroundings and hold on to your belongings!

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

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)

* 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? Around $100.00 because I shopped a lot and traveled.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep a journal of what you spend, so you're more aware of your budget.

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? 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? SPN611D
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 daily conversations with other people that speak the language.

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?
  • Living with a host family
  • Experiencing another culture
  • Making friends from other states and countries
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything to improve upon
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew there would not be air conditioning in my host families apartment, so I would have packed more accordingly.