Un semestre de puta madre Past Review
By Emily B (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 05/23/2012 with
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
I learned so much about myself, about what it means to be American, about what it means to travel and engage in other cultures. I can communicate and make friends in a second language. This was the most influential semester of my life! To anyone on the fence... GO!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Luis and Sylvain were absolutely excellent. They always made us feel welcome and at home in Alicante, and did a great job sharing the culture with us. They were very involved in our abroad experience, played soccer with us, and were always thrilled to help us with whatever we needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
If you have the option to live with Spainards or other international students, DO IT! That's the easiest and best way to meet non-Americans and practice your spanish!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This totally depends on how much effort you put into your semester. People in Alicante are really friendly, so if you make an effort to get to know the locals, it's really easy! |
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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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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?
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| 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? |
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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? | Bring less clothing. |
