Studying in Alicante was the best decision I ever made. Past Review
By A student (Boise State University) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/15/2017 with
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
I learned independence skills, language skills, traveling skills, communication skills and so many more. So worth while.
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. |
We took classes with all other USAC students but I benefitted from this because we were all in "the same boat". USAC provided all of the necessary resources for us. They were also sensitive to the fact that we wanted to learn outside the classroom as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I could not have asked for better program directors. They were amazing and were always ready to help with any problem or dilemma we had. They truly wanted us to have the most amazing time abroad and were always there to help with everything from academics to travel suggestions. They were incredible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
USAC organized all of our housing which was so nice because finding housing in a foreign country, without visiting the country first, would have been overwhelming. I lived in an apartment with two other USAC students. The apartment was in the city center and I could easily walk to almost everything I needed-supermarket, beach, restaurants, bars etc. USAC had a good relationship with the landlords as well. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
USAC did a great job of integrating us into the local culture as much as possible. They always told us about festivals or holidays or things "we couldn't miss". They wanted us to feel apart of the culture. We also had intercambios. They were local Spanish students. They practiced their English, while we practiced our Spanish. Not only was it a great way to practice my oral skills, I was also able to meet my intercambios friends and make Spaniard friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
USAC provided health insurance for us. I never had to us it but my friends that did had a great experience. The program directors were always willing to take someone to the doctor and help translate anything the student didn't understand. |
| * Safety: |
Alicante felt very safe. Although I took safety precautions, I never felt unsafe in the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
USAC had amazing program directors and were so helpful in so many ways. They truly wanted you to have the best experience possible. They had thought of so many of "the small things" as well. |
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) |
Alicante overall was a cheap city. Since I made my own food, I was able to buy most at the supermarket. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to save as much money as you can before you go. You will want to be able to experience as much as you can while you are abroad and many times that costs money. You don't want to not be able to experience something just because you don't have enough money. Its worth the extra penny. |
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 |
I was in the highest level of Spanish in my program, so my program directors only spoke to me in Spanish. It was nice to be able to practice in a safe environment, where I was not embarrassed to make mistakes. All of my professors always spoke Spanish. |
| 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? | 300 level course |
| 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? | Practice whenever you can-restaurants, bars, supermarket etc. It is such a great time to improve your skills. Speak with your abroad friends- you are all in the same boat, so you might as well practice and make mistakes with one another. |
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? | NA |
