Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

From this experience I fell in love with Spain and moved back after college. Past Review

By (Economics., University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 01/06/2009 to 05/08/2009 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish skills a great deal and learned how to be independent. I also gained a big appreciation for travel and I learned how to do that!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: I took classes at the main UPV campus in Leoia and the central business campus in downtown Bilbao
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site staff was great and their office was open everyday for us to stop by and chat or get help with anything. They sent us weekly emails of things to do around the area.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My house was in a great location but it didn't have wifi. There are many great houses though in the program depending on where you're placed.

* Food:

Pintxos are small appetizers that everyone has with a beer or a glass of wine in the evening. They have a million varieties and they are all great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Basque culture is somewhat hard to integrate into at first but I was able to do it since I spoke Spanish.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The one time I felt sick, the USAC office made an appointment for me same day to see an English speaking doctor. There were no major health issues for studying in Spain. The only vaccines recommended were the standard ones you get in the US.

* Safety:

I never had any problems with the police or with crime.

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)

Weekly living wasn't very expensive. I spent most of my money on either rent or travelling.

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

Our program offered intensive spanish courses at all levels that met 4 times a week. It was a great way to really get confident in the language.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Composition (300 level)
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? Take as many Spanish courses as you can and find opportunities to speak with natives. Watch tv shows from your host country.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • I liked the intensive Spanish courses
  • On-site staff
  • Spanish lifestyle
* What could be improved?
  • more integration with local students
  • all houses with wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spain Spanish and Mexican Spanish are very different and I should've tried to find out more about those differences before going.

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 Linguist
You 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!