Best lifestyle, unforgettable experience. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were challenging but fun. Very small classes allowed for the most personalized teaching I have ever had. I also really enjoyed how well rounded the professors are. We would go off topic at times but still highly educational. I learned so much about Europe and Spain through them. They were also very supportive of our outside traveling.

On-site administration of your program

By far the most helpful advisers I have ever had in my five years now of school. Luis will literally go out of his way for any of the students. I have never in my life seen someone who genuinely cares about his students like he does. He really tries to please everyone but will hold you accountable so don't try to slack off with him. Veronica and Sylvain are just as helpful and they all make a great team.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was phenomenal. I am pretty sure we had the best apartment. Management could have been better, and more professional. Our landlord constantly sought to have meetings with me and my roommates and we would be unable to make it sometimes which then caused her to call our advisers and it was just all completely unnecessary in my opinion. They do not have online bill pay like in the US, and it is still a little old fashioned but good overall. The apartment itself was modest but had everything we needed. VERY close to markets, restaurants, clubs, the beach. The location was extraordinary.

By far the most disappointing part of the experience for me but mind you- I am from a very traditional Mexican family that cooks every day with fresh ingredients and LOTS of spices. Spanish food is pretty boring for me. They mostly eat bread and ham and some cheese. NO spicy food anywhere and not even salt and pepper sometimes. I recommend you take some bottles of hot sauce prior to going. Also, you will not have the convenience of getting food at any time of the day like in the US. There are set hours for everything and there will be a time during the night where nothing will be open. The Mercado Central is incredible though where you can find fresh food at an affordable price. The produce is ridiculously cheap and there are not nearly as many GMOs like in the US. You will probably get a healthier weight like I did after being there. Lots of cheap and delicious olive oil, and sangria. Those were my favorites- and the gelato! I did miss enchiladas like I've never missed something before but for people who are not used to delicious Mexican food or other cultural foods then Spanish food will be great.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel like I made lots of Spanish friends necessarily but I did feel very integrated to the culture and made lots of international friends from other parts of Europe especially and of course the American students. Making friends was not an issue or finding things to do... The intercambio program that USAC set up was also very helpful for connecting with other spanish students and I have two very close friends that I can stay with in Spain now anytime.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an issue that needed medical treatment. It was easy to get assistance but it took a long time before the issue was resolved. It is a lot easier to get prescription medicine in Spain compared to back home but you have to pay out of pocket for those costs and then fill out paperwork to be reimbursed.

The safest city I have literally ever been in. I never heard of assault incidents and this is a very party city. As a girl- safety is always a concern for me but in Alicante it was honestly not an issue. All of our apartments were very close to the bars/clubs, and there is always people out late so it's not weird to go home at 5-6am. In fact if you go home at 3am people think you are weird.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I did not realize how much money I spend in the US on gas, food, going out on weekends that it was far cheaper to do all of that in Spain. Not driving helped a lot. I was really good about saving in the summer before I left, but I made a budget for myself of 1000 dollars which is about 700euros for every month. This allowed me to spend about 200 euros a month on very good fresh groceries, with which I would cook at home almost every day and buy one lunch item at school every day. This included 250/month for rent and transportation which was about 35 euros a month. It also included utilities and going out expenses. If I wanted to eat out you would spend a little more but there are always specials happening in town.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You have to make yourself speak Spanish because it is far too easy to just want speak English with the other students.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans

• Lifestyle
• Cost
• Support

• Housing payments/landlord relationships
• ice breakers so we can all meet each other at first
• better food

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer