Studying in Alicante with Armando and Cynthia ~ Life Changing Experience Past Review
By Cortney H (Marketing, Arizona State University) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
Absolutely. It changed my entire future course including career choices and travelling.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was similar, we had homework and exams just like in the U.S. I don't recall the grading system but the credits get transferred to the ASU system anyways. As a foreign language class the methods are similar, there's practice for oral, written, and reading. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
This program is EXCELLENT. Cynthia and Armando are amazing host providers and will make sure your needs are met. They are supportive and will help you with your family, take you to the doctor if need be, and assist you with any questions you may have. They become your parents away from home. Studying in Spain would not have been the same without them. Armando is also very entertaining! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My room was small but perfect. My host mother was nice and accommodating. She did my laundry, cooked all my meals, etc. I didn't need to purchase anything. I liked my neighborhood, it was close to night life as well as the beach and shopping. Classes were accessible by bus because the university is away from the city center but the buses run very frequently and it's not a problem at all. |
| * Food: |
My host mom listened to what I liked and didn't. She also tried to get me to try different things which was good. I highly recommend Villahelmy in the casco anitguo. Best restaurant ever! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trips with Armando are great, sign up for them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just always watch your belongings. There are purse snatchers in Europe and I was a victim. Don't set anything down next to you, always wear your purse. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language acquisition improved a lot. You need to be engulfed in the culture to learn Spanish. I recommend interacting with everybody you can, your host family, other students, etc. Try to find an intercambio right away, I regret waiting until the last month for this. I also regret not speaking as much Spanish with my host family. Branch out from the American group you are with. They will become your best friends but also find Spanish speaking friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Speak Spanish and take advantage of everything that comes your way! |
