I learned more about myself and it was life changing. Past Review
By A student (Anthropology., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 07/13/2012 with
CIEE: Alicante - Summer Language and Culture
I learned more about myself and how I react in new situations. It was worthwhile! I can't imagine a better program. I fell in love with the language, the city, and most importantly the people.
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were incredibly hospitable and made everyone feel welcome no matter what level of Spanish they were upon entering the program. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was terrific, I will always keep in touch with her. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would like to go back to Alicante and further study the Spanish language. The city was amazing! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I felt incredibly safe at all hours. |
| 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) |
My host mom saved me a lot of money and there are always deals at local tapa restaurants. |
| * 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 including souveniers. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If the food is included, definitely eat with your host family as much as possible. It allows to save money, time, and you get to enjoy great conversation. |
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? | Spanish Grammar and Composition 327G |
| 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? | Definitely spend time with the locals. My program had student helpers and we met up outside of class to practice speaking and getting to know the city better. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much I would enjoy spending time in Alicante. I would have changed the flight to a much later date. |
