I'd do it again! Past Review

By (Pre Dentistry, Spanish, University of North Dakota) - abroad from 01/11/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language skills improved a lot and I learned to be more open minded. Yes, it was worthwhile.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A LOT
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You will end up spending way more than you think you will, so save a lot before you go.

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? 300
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? Living with a host family is the best way to learn the language. The biggest thing that held us back from speaking Spanish all the time was that all the students in our program were Americans, so everyone spoke English to each other.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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- Bilbao and Getxo are amazing.
* What could be improved?
  • Making more classes that transfer back to UND. I was only allowed to transfer back 12 credits toward my major, making it almost impossible for me to fit it in.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If I could do it again, I would have gone for a year instead of just one semester.