Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mi hogar Past Review

By (University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 05/15/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was more than worthwhile. Before making the decision to study abroad I was afraid of being in a place I don't know. I was hesitant and unsure if this was going to be a good decision for me. But it was more than that. It's difficult to describe the amount of things learned abroad. Definitely became more independent and realized that not everything should have to revolve around the typical American lifestyle which is just work and money. I found that it is okay to step out of my comfort zone. I was encouraged to learn more about places I don't yet know and I am glad this experience shaped the person I am today!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The staff was incredible and you could tell that they cared for their students and wanted the students to learn.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

On-site admin are incredible, so sweet and caring and always willing to help out each and every student with any concerns they may have.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since the city of Alicante is so small and easily feels like home I felt it was easy to feel integrated with the local culture within the first couple of weeks!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I have never felt so safe in a city I did not know. But as the days went by it was easy to feel safe and make this place home. The streets are filled with lights and rarely is there any dark streets which makes it all the more safe. I felt safe walking from point A to point B.

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

I fell in love with the city of Alicante. There are simply no words to describe how incredible this experience was. I would return to Alicante in a heart beat if I could.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 30 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If anything try to budget your money. All students want to travel to other countries which includes more expenses. I would cook everyday and would eat out when I would travel.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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 city
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Schedules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that this was going to be the best experience.

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.