Study Abroad Spain: Best time of my life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My grades transferred directly in from Alicante to the University of Iowa. The workload was perfect, not too much homework each night, but still enough to keep me occupied and engaged in school. I was able to travel on the weekends and still get my homework done.

On-site administration of your program

I was in direct contact with my advisors. Their offices were right on campus and they were easily accessed. They helped with all my questions and if I had an issue, they would give me advice immediately. My expectations were absolutely met, the strengths were the actual language courses and professors. The weaknesses was that we weren't able to meet many of the students in the College unless you sought them out.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My family was wonderful. I was placed into a home-stay, the neighborhood was extremely safe. I had my own room and balcony, and lived with two host parents and an american student. i lived ten minutes away from the train, where I rode the train to school every day. The train ride was about 20 minutes to class. People also took a bus as well. I didn't need to buy any items to settle in except for a hair dryer and curling iron. I shared a bathroom with the other American student. My host family was amazing, they treated me like a family member. They made me the best food and always had me prepared with a snack and lunch at school. We wanted internet at our house, so our parents got wireless internet for us.

Absolutely wonderful. If we didn't like something, they didn't make it anymore. The food was so good from our host parents.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Field trips were provided by the University, we had two amazing trips provided by the University that were super fun. We had events available all the time if we chose to go on them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Our city was very safe. Stealing/pickpocketing were the only concerns. Healthcare was easily accessible, I didn't have any healthcare issues besides being sick, and you didn't need a doctor's note to go to the pharmacy and purchase antibiotics. I needed few vaccines and there were no health issues in my host city.

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

My professors never spoke English. I practiced the language with my host parents, and my teacher. I also practiced sometimes with my friends from the United States. I used the host language whenever I went out to eat or out to the clubs/bars. My placement into the language classes was perfect, I took classes with students at my same language capabilities. I enjoyed the format of the courses; having one course every day for 4 weeks, finishing that course and then starting the next class.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family