Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I wish I could last the whole lifetime Past Review

By (Pre Pharmacy, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/22/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, about people, and not just about the Spanish culture, but the European culture itself. I definitely became more independent, and more mature. My mind is a lot more open to a lot of different beliefs when it comes to love, friendship and politics, and I am a lot more trusting in humanity. I realized how ignorant I was of the political platforms of the leaders in the United States of America, and of the rest of the world. I advise everybody to try and make time in their college schedule to try and live in a different country. This was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I don't want to say this is the highlight of my life, because I'm hoping that I can go back one day.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? high school
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 USAC employees
  • Friday activities
* What could be improved?
  • housing, not for me, but a lot of my friends had many issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I already researched a lot about the city of Bilbao, but I wish I tried harder to meet more of the Basque people. Don't get me wrong. I met a lot of people and I got to know a lot more people. I wish I extended.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.