It will be as great as you make it! Past Review
By Allison B (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/27/2013 with
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
I've FULLY realized that we are all the same, and cultures are just man-made. If i were born in China I would like eating cow stomach, and if i were born in Spain I would prefer kissing someone on both cheeks than hugging them. We are all the same, and our languages and cultures just bring out and emphasize different parts of who we are. I have changed profoundly during my short time here: I've realized the world is less scary, yet bigger than i previously thought. Less scary because we are all fundamentally the same, and bigger because I've met people who live in places I had no proof existed. Countries i've never been to are now real and relevent, showing me how much there still is to explore. I've learned not to be embarrassed, the importance of learning other languages, and how my legs are an excellent mode of transportation. My entire outlook on life has changed in such a way that I feel as though i will have to "re-meet" everyone once i go home. Completely worth it.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The advisors in Alicante are fantastic. Because of them, I was never lost or confused about anything school-related. They are ALWAYS happy and calm. I'm usually timid when I need guidance, but I knew they were always geniunely happy to help. I've never had such a friendly relationship with anyone administration-related. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The advisors are amazing at getting everyone a great location downtown, in a place that's well-kept. The only reason i didn't give a full 5 stars is because I (and others) requested to live with Spaniards and didn't get it. |
| * Food: |
I wasn't in a home-stay, so I'm just rating what I saw in the stores. It was fresh and decent quality, though less variety than the US. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
With this one, it's what you make it. Intercambios, intercambios, intercambios. This is where you meet with Spanish-speakers to speak in both English and Spanish. Since being here I've met with many, many Spaniards for intercambios. In my opinion, the more the merrier, so you can choose to form relationships with the people you get along the best with. Meeting people this way is how I felt most integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no experiences with health issues. |
| * Safety: |
Downtown, where the students live is safe |
| 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? | About $80 a week, but on weekends where i did a trip, add $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend too much money on clothes or shoes or eating out, spend it on experiences. |
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 |
They were proud that we talked in Spanish, but they didn't encourage us to branch out and make Spanish friends. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3 Spanish classes |
| 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? | Intercambios, Spanish rooom mate, Spanisg boyfriend/girlfriend. You gotta just do it. It will be frustrating and awkward at times, but it's so comforting to see other people struggling in the exact same way. I've laughed so much learning the language, as laughing is a universal language. Also i've learned a lot from the free podcast Notes in Spanish (on itunes). |
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? | The advisors will help you with everything, don't worry. I will want my slippers and big comfy pj pants, and will never wear my heels. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
