Spain a life changing experience that aided me in becoming a stronger person mentally and physically Past Review

By Christine A (Spanish, Hobart and William Smith Colleges) for

University of Alicante: Alicante - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The program challenged me to my highest potential. It was truly rewarding to know that I could get myself out of any situation in a foreign country and be as happy as I was. I had an amazing experience and it inspired me to continue my traveling ventures throughout the rest of my life.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I had a bad experience with my host family half way through the program. Due to the problems, I moved to the University where I truly enjoyed getting to know Spanish students studying at the University! It was the best of both worlds, I got to experience a home-stay and the dorms.
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	-traveling was amazing and I loved both Alicante and Barcelona so much that I would have been completely happy not traveling at all.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	I signed a contact and was forced to speak Spanish everyday with the exception of Thursday nights after 9pm. I was fully immersed in the culture and my Spanish improved immensely.