Spain: Unforgettable. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

There were some really great people working in the program. Some were extremely helpful and understanding. My main issue with the program was the lack of organization. It frequently seemed like they didn't really know what was going on. Other students and I felt very confused recently. Everything ended up working out fine in the end, but the lack of planning, organization, and schedules was extremely difficult to adjust to.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had many difficulties with my living situation abroad. My parents were very concerned initially that I would not be close enough to campus which would make it more dangerous for me to walk to and from each day. Despite expressing my concerns to the program prior to departure, I was placed in a home with a Spanish woman that was 45 minutes away from campus. When my parents found out I had to move. In the next house I lived with a Spanish family. The woman there was nice at first but was unwilling to feed me (and my other American roommate from the program) more food. It was completely ridiculous and by the end of the program I had lost ten pounds (which is saying something because I previously only weighed 115). I was initially hesitant to notify my parents of this situation because I didn't want to worry them and I was afraid to contact the program because I didn't want to complain, however, after about a month of living there and after the woman yelled at my roommate and I for asking for more fruit we immediately left the house. We contacted the program and one worker there was extremely helpful and found a spot for us in the Dorm that same afternoon. I think this situation could have been handled differently and I hope that the program does not allow that family to host another student again. In general, the houses are normally fairly close to campus (within a 20 minute walk) and the nightlife. Nothing aside from clothing and toiletries were necessary to settle-in. The treatment by the host family depends highly on the particular family with whom one lives.

I am gluten intolerant and the people with whom I lived were very helpful with my dietary restriction. The quality/quantity of food depends on the individual host family, but as for the cafeteria of the dorm the quality was fine and one could eat as much as one wanted. I did not eat at restaurants frequently in order to save money, but I heard that there were many good places to eat around the city.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The interest group program was a great opportunity. I was in an art interest group and got to visit Bilbao. It was a wonderful way to practice Spanish and I ended up loving the city we visited as well as the field trips and meetings we had throughout the semester.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The city was fairly safe overall, but that does not mean that you can be stupid. People recognize foreigners from a mile away and they will take advantage of you if you place yourself in unsafe situations. As I said previously in this review, I do not recommend that any girl ever walks at night alone, even if she is walking with another female. As ridiculous as it may sound and seem at the time, have a guy friend walk you back to your house or take a taxi. There were no prevalent health issues or vaccines necessary. However, I was unlucky enough to catch the stomach flu while abroad which was very unpleasant.

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

I could practice speaking the language with everyone except the other American students in the program. Surprisingly, many of them were not interested in speaking Spanish if they didn't have to. I think this was a detriment to my learning and if I could go back again I would try to fully surround myself with Spanish friends to fast track my learning. One definitely needs to use the host country language in everyday interactions, however, it is fairly easy to find people around you who speak at least some English.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment
• Dorm
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Local Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans