Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

USAC Alicante is an amazing program! Past Review

By (University of Idaho) - abroad from 01/05/2016 to 05/15/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
By studying abroad in Alicante through the USAC program, I was able to grow personally while receiving an amazing education at the same time. Over the course of the six months that I was in Spain, I became much more independent, easy going, and assertive. I also was able to finish my Spanish degree and advance my language skills greatly. Double majoring in Spanish and International Studies, studying abroad in this program allowed me to get an experience directly applicable to my degrees and possible future career paths. I became introduce to the field of international education and I am now considering mastering in the subject. In addition, I learned a great deal about the world and cultures outside of the US as well as the amazing people that live across the US and abroad. My experience was certainly worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be aware of your spending early on after your arrival. Most students I studies with spent quite a bit of money at the very beginning out of excitement.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Culture of Latin America (conducted in 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? Do not be embarrassed to try. You will learn and advance so much more if you just speak without being afraid.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The location
  • The people: friends and the local staff and professors
  • My host mom
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I would have signed up for a whole year rather than just one semester. I also that I wish I would have prepared myself to be more outgoing with my Spanish skills and to not be afraid to speak to locals.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.