An amazing experience in the Basque Country Past Review
By Katie R (University of North Dakota) - abroad from 01/10/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
I learned a lot about myself and gained a lot of independence. I greatly improved my Spanish skills and developed a home in the Basque Country. It was definitely worthwhile.
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. |
The professors and staff are extremely knowledgeable and push you to learn and improve as much as you can. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very well organized and extremely helpful staff |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Staying with a host family was extremely rewarding-- it helped me learn about the Spanish culture as well as improve my language skills. |
| * Food: |
Basque food is delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bilbao/Getxo is not overly filled with tourism. While studying there you have a chance to feel a more authentic Spanish lifestyle. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any serious illness or injuries, but medicine was easily accessible and I knew how to make a doctor appointment with the help of USAC staff if I needed to. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe during my stay in Bilbao/Getxo. |
| 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) |
It depends on how well you manage your time/food expenses. If you plan on going out a lot to eat and drink, or travel quite a bit it can get very expensive |
| * 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? | I spent about $300 per week on housing/food, and about $70 per week on other expenses |
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 |
All of my courses were taught in Spanish, and required that I speak Spanish constantly. Being located in Bilbao also requires that you speak Spanish consistently since many locals do not speak English. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | 300-level University course |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Be confident and go all out, don't worry about making mistakes. Pick a location that forces you to use the language and practice as much as you can. |
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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| 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? | The fact that it rains all the time in Bilbao, that the semester goes by quickly |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
