Past Review
By Cooper G (International Relations, European Studies, Spanish, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
It was definitely worthwhile. I think I learned a lot of Spanish, and I really enjoyed learning how to live in a culture that is very different from my own. I also enjoyed meeting and living with people that had different backgrounds and seeing different perspectives. It has definitely inspired me to travel more and experience more cultures.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed the classes I took. They were relatively challenging, but not too much for a study abroad trip. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff in Alicante was very helpful, and the director, Luis, was always ready to help us find what we needed. He definitely did everything he could to make our time in Alicante worth-while. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the city center with other international students (1 American, 3 Italians, and 1 Japanese guy). It was really fun. Living with international students really helped my Spanish because it was our only common language. <br /><br /> I really enjoyed where I lived, but my landlady ended up being kind of crazy in the end and charged me for random things in the apartment that were broken when I got there. Other than that, it wasn't too expensive and it was a good location--close to the Barrio and about 10 minutes from the beach. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself at my apartment, and I ate at a cafe called Don Jamon on campus for lunch usually. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The night life in Alicante was awesome. The beach was great. We got to go to lots of places in Spain; and around Europe because Alicante is a Ryanair hub, so there are tons of cheap flights. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | around 40€ each week, I'd say. That includes groceries, eating out, phone, and transportation. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Shop at Mercado Central--it's the farmer's market, and it's really cheap. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Like I mentioned, it was kind of difficult to meet Spaniards with whom to practice speaking, but I think my Spanish definitely improved while I was in Alicante. I was able to practice with other foreign students (non-American), and having classes all in Spanish was extremely helpful. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it, but make sure not to hang out with only Americans. |
