Everyone should study abroad in Spain Past Review
By Elizabeth C (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/02/2013 to 05/21/2014 with
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
First of all choosing to study abroad has been one of the best decisions of my life, I would recommend it to everyone. Also if you can stay a year that's even better a semester is too short. Time abroad goes way too fast, I was here both semesters and I still wish I had more time. Overall being here has changed my perspective of the world, made me grow into a more confident a mature person, and has given me one of a kind experiences that I will happily remember for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very hand on, helpful if you have any problems. Easy to talk to and they truly care about the experience of the students |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with the same host family fall and spring semester. They are the best! I believe that my study abroad experience would not have been as amazing without them. I learned so much about the spanish culture and lifestyle that just cant be taught in class and my spanish improved a lot. I definitely recommend host family to anyone studying abroad. Hopefully they have a family as great as mine. |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is deliciously! I got lucky because my host mom is an amazing cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Bilbao and Getxo are very safe. Of course you have to always be aware of your surroundings but overall I never felt unsafe. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Being abroad you definitely will be planning weekend trips. My advice is to plan those as early as possible to get the best deals. |
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 |
They encouraged me to use the language most of the time. I even spoke to the program staff in spanish |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | The last I had taken was spanish 4 in High School |
| 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? | Live with a host family! Most host families don't speak english so it really forces you to practice the language. |
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? | I wished I would have checked into the weather a little more. I had no idea how cold and rainy it gets during winter. Would have definitely packed more sweaters and jackets. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
