Words do not describe. Past Review
By Ann M (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., University of the Pacific) for
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
Yes, I cannot describe it in words, but I feel as though I have grown stronger and wiser as a person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Work load was manageable. Very similar to the American system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was extremely helpful and always available when I needed assistance. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I had no dietary restrictions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This program takes students on amazing local field trips and provides many opportunities for cultural experiences. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I have not needed healthcare yet, nor have I experienced any violence thus far. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | consider buying an unlimited metro pass. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I never took college-level Spanish before this trip. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Everyone spoke Spanish. Very few were able to speak fluent English. I had to speak Spanish every day. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | When you culture shock, (it is a when, not a if) admit it, and recognize your feelings for what they are. Tell yourself: I came here to do it their way, if I wanted to do it my way, I would have stayed home. Remind yourself that this is an amazing opportunity, and that it is only temporary. Make the effort to speak with and get to know locals. |
