Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fantastico! Past Review

By (Spanish and Accounting, University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 01/07/2014 to 05/17/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I not only improved my spanish language skills, but also learned so much about the culture and people in Spain and the Basque Country. It is an amazing place and I will always think of it as my second home.

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.

It is a good program. I learned a lot in the classes, but at the same time none of the classes I was in took too much time or had too much homework to take away from other experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

One of the best parts of the program. They are so helpful and friendly and care so much about all of the students!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents were the sweetest people ever and they made my trip fantastic!

* Food:

Host mom cooking is great! Pintxos are fantastic! Wine is great as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was a little bit of a struggle to meet locals and get involved with other local events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any experiences.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Bilbao or Getxo and it was a clean city with very friendly citizens.

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)

The host family provided plenty of food and so my outside expenses were pretty low. Traveling was expensive but there were plenty of ways to make it affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $15 on a normal week minus times when I purchased clothes and other items.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget, and have a general idea where you want to travel and how expensive flights and hostels are before you go.

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? Intermediate
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? Intermediate
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? My host family was awesome for this.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Host Family
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Interactions with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish I would have tried more to get involved in something with locals.

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!