Life altering, wouldn't change anything! Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 06/28/2013 to 07/20/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a sense of independence and a better feel for how tings happen outside the United States. Absolutely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My director and everyone else involved were very friendly and helpful throughout my entire experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was clean and well taken care of and it suited me just fine.

* Food:

Food was excellent, couldn't stop eating.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had zero exposure to Spanish before studying abroad so communicating was difficult but I felt very involved.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't personally have any health issues but some of my classmates did and everything was handled in a professional manner.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe, nothing to worry about.

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)

I easily spent $200+ a week on food and other expenses but it was my choice.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't even try to save money, you will spend everything you have and you wont care once you get home.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Zero exposure to Spanish
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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Social aspect
  • Independence
  • New perspective on life
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I brought more money and packed lighter.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

International Marketing

Course Department: BUA
Instructor: Mike Miller
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Professor was extremely knowledgeable and knew how to relate to students. I was very impressed by his teaching methods and would recommend him to anyone.
Credit Transfer Issues: