Alicante: The experience that opened my eyes to the rest of my life Past Review
By Mallory F (University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/24/2012 with
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
What didn't I learn while abroad? I learned more about myself in six months than I have throughout my entire life. I became more patient, more open, more tolerant, and more understanding not only of foreign cultures, but of the differences in American ways of life as well. It was fascinating to learn how people from different parts of the United States can be so different! I became so much more confident in my speaking, my ability to travel alone and take care of myself, and the power I have to control my own destiny. I came home a completely different person. I have a greater appreciation for being American, balanced with wisdom from the successes of other cultures and what they do well. Study abroad completely changed me, my life, and my future. I left searching for myself and the path I wanted to take after graduation, and came home on that path. I am more in control of my thoughts, my emotions, and my fate than I ever could have hoped to be.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Alicante |
| 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. |
The immersion learning format in USAC specialty programs is superb. The accelerated track made it possible for me to complete my Spanish minor in one semester! The caliber of the classes is miles above the level of depth you get in a typical Spanish class in the states. I came back much more confident in my speaking abilities and my writing level increased dramatically. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Luis and Sylvain are incredible. Whenever I needed anything, they were there for me and always went out of their way to make sure the students were being taken care of. I will maintain relationships with them for the rest of my life! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a great apartment with a great location! Getting used to city noise and thin walls was a challenge, but it was an incredible experience. The building was full of other students, close to shopping and food, and a ten minute walk from the beach! The landlady and her family welcomed us into the fold and were always there when we needed them. |
| * Food: |
If you like food, the Mediterranean is the place for you!!! Things you MUST try: paella, fideuá, chocolate con churros, tortilla Española, the calamari, and the WINE!!! Try everything, including the jamón, and eat tapas every day! I still dream about this food. You will miss it when you leave! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If I could have stayed for a year, I would have. It was hard to break away from the other Americans in the program, but I made Spanish friends and was able to navigate the city with ease. My advice: try to blend in! It's amazing how much more you will learn by observing the culture and mirroring the customs. Spanish living is a way of life. Embrace it! Be sure to get an intercambio (a Spanish native) to practice your Spanish with, and ask questions often! The Spanish people will go out of their way to help you and many love practicing their English. Living with a host family or with Spanish students will greatly increase your level of integration. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The insurance provided through USAC is excellent. I had a problem with my shoulder while abroad and went to physical therapy for about a month. Luis was amazing, called the doctor for me and even offered to go with me for my first time. It was nerve-racking trying to speak Spanish in a doctor's office, but the doctor was extremely intelligent and professional and his staff made me feel at home. My therapy sessions were like going to a spa. I was reimbursed for 100% of my expenses by the insurance company, hassle-free. |
| * Safety: |
I never feared for my safety in Alicante. As with any European city, pickpockets are common, but if you stay diligent and limit what you carry with you, there's a good chance you'll make it back with all of your things. Everything in the city is in walking distance, the tram is clean and well-monitored, and I walked many places at night without fearing for my safety. Remember to travel with a buddy and be aware of your surroundings, as with any city, and you won't have any problems. |
| 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) |
The Euro was worth about $1.60 most of the time I was in Spain, so the exchange rate was not on my side. However, the cost of food at the store and when going out to eat was generally lower than it would be here, comparatively, so I think it evened out quite nicely. Air travel is incredibly cheap in Europe, which enabled me to travel to 6 other countries during my semester. In Alicante, my expenses were a bus pass to get to and from school, rent, food, water and electricity, and money for activities. Utilities are much more expensive abroad, so I learned to conserve, and I spent more money than a lot of the other students on travel and weekly spending, but it could easily be budgeted to reflect what you pay at home. Just be mindful of your money! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent around $100 a week, including social activities on the weekends. Like I said, it could easily be done for less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Withdraw large amounts of money at a time to save on foreign transaction fees. You can get your withdrawal limit increased before you go. Use public transportation over cabs at all costs; it's also more fun! Buy metro passes in bulk over single ride tickets if you're planning on being in the city for a few days, and stay at hostels with free breakfast and WiFi. These little things add up! Also, be VERY mindful of your utilities. This will probably be your biggest expense after rent. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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? | I should have gone for a year! If at all possible, go for as long as you can. Little tips I wish I had known were to pack less (WAY less), bring a European standard travel-sized suitcase (they are much smaller than our carry-ons), take more pictures with yourself in them, and make every effort to completely immerse yourself in the culture. Do your research! |
