Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once you go Basque, you never go back. Past Review

By (Accounting, SUNY - Buffalo) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 05/14/2015 with

University of Deusto: International Spanish Center - CIDE

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. I developed so much as a person and became so much more open-minded.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot, but work was not overly difficult or time-consuming. The professors and advisers are great

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family but the schedule was quite a bit to adjust to and my host mother was not very accommodating. However, a lot of my fellow study abroad friends had great host families and one even took me in and always made sure I was taken care of and comfortable.

* Food:

Great food and wine :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All classes are only with other American students, so it was difficult to create relationships with local Spanish students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctors and I was in and out in less than an hour. The people in the international office were very helpful.

* Safety:

Very very safe city. The entire time I was there I had not heard of any incidents of pit pocketing. I walked home by myself on a daily basis, including very late at night, and I never felt unsafe. For perspective, I am a small girl. I felt safe 100% of my time in Bilbao.

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)

Food is quite cheap there, especially fresh produce and baked goods.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I stayed with a host family, which included my food so maybe $20/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and keep it!

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? 200 level Spanish
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? Integrate and make Spanish friends!! Absolutely stay with a host family!!!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • Professors/other students
  • Food
  • Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • My host family
  • Less rain :P
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It rains basically everyday between January and March. Be prepared. Bring an umbrella.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.