Alicante: A 5 month injection of breathlessness and beauty Past Review
By Rachel Z (Advertising/Public Relations, Minors in Marketing & Spanish, Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/15/2013 with
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
I gained so much: the ability to speak spanish almost fluently, the courage to travel to new places where I didn't know the language, to explore, to learn about myself and other cultures, and the appreciation of life and beautiful parts of Europe and Spain. I know now that this is something I want to do for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Almost all of my classes were in Spain. I'm not fluent. Because of this, classes were difficult but the teachers were more than helpful and patient with us. I learned so much more than I have in any other Spanish class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They made everything about my time abroad perfect. Luis, Sylvain and Veronica (program director and assistants) helped with culture shock, academic questions/issues, apartment or host family issues, suggestions for the weekends and travel to other places. I couldn't have asked for better resources. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with two French girls and a British girl. There was some disagreements with two of the roommates and the place was small but they locate you in great areas and you spend most of your time outside anyways. |
| * Food: |
Very bland in regards to spice but the fish is phenomenal since you're off the coast! Be willing to try everything-- it won't let you down. Especially the paella! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I did all the same things the locals did and went to all the same bars, clubs, etc. I didn't integrate with as many spaniards as I would have liked but I was definitely living the Spanish lifestyle. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
From the first day, the directors were upfront about needing anything medically-- the doctor is free on campus and they'll do whatever you need to make sure you're alright. |
| * Safety: |
I felt completely safe at all hours of the night. As long as you use common sense, I never knew anyone who had an issue. |
| 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) |
I could spend about 35 euros/2 weeks on food from the grocery store. The most expensive part was going out to discotecas and traveling. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | probably 40-50 euros a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your travels ahead of time and save the most money by getting food at a fresh market or grocery store! |
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 |
I used it most of every day. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2 years college 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? | Just practice. Don't be afraid of messing up-- that was my biggest fear. Just like you're patient with them speaking english, they're just as patient with you speaking spanish. |
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? | 0 |
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? | That I could have stayed for a whole year! |
