Alicante was the best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Spanish and Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota - Duluth) for

USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Improving my Spanish was a large factor, but understanding a new culture was a bit more of a surprise. I didn't realize how much different it was. My personality changed for the better.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: La Universidad de Alicante
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I feel that the Educational experience while abroad is SO much more than just classroom activities. Everything around is teaching you something if you let it in and accept changes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Location was great, and family was awesome!

* Food:

I'll try pretty much anything and the food my family made was phenomenal!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Field trips were great and the life away from the university was fantastic to learn the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had any health issues while abroad, and I never felt endangered.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I learned a lot and improved my Spanish drastically, but just make sure you speak Spanish with the other Study Abroad students. After all, that's what you are there for.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? USAC was amazing. The staff was great in assisting whatever needs students had and encouraged participation in cultural events around campus and around town. I became a more outgoing person and made great friends. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything!