Life changing Past Review
By Nick R (Marketing, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 05/16/2015 with
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
I learned that I can be independent and overcome challenges. Also now I will look at the world globally instead of locally. Such as looking at and appreciating new cultures, food and people in the world. Language is important in the world and the experience opened my eyes to living differently that when I set goals I can achieve them. I learned that I want to return to Europe one day to travel more. I learned that family and friends are important and I will incorporate this in my life. I gained life long friends and many memories that will last a lifetime.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The University of the Basque Country offered courses that were rigorous but were reasonable to allow us for having a great study abroad experience. The university provided the necessary resources such as a computer lab and helped us find our books at a local book store. Professors and advisers were helpful in answering questions when we asked them. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
On-site administration was very friendly and helped answer questions. They would also make sure that we were safe when traveling. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family. The family was very loving and friendly. My host mother made all my meals, did my laundry and treated as one of her own. |
| * Food: |
The food was great. My host mother made typical Spanish dishes. So I had the experience of trying authentic food. I would also go to local bars/restaurants to eat what the Spaniards ate. I had some unique and culturally different foods. I loved trying the new things. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt really integrated because I did live with a host family. One of my classes was learning of the culture and language I was living. Known as the Basque Country. This is area is very prideful and united. I never knew of the culture before I came but it was very interesting to see and learn how they lived. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare was accessible. The office of advisers helped assist us. The local healthcare system differed because I felt the medical practices were not as advanced as back home. They were not any prevalent health issues in my host city or country, and I did not need any specific vaccines besides the ones required to study abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I felt the host city, Bilbao, where I stayed was very safe and I never ran into any issues. Then again I made sure I did not do anything that would harm me. |
| 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 felt the program was reasonable but I did have to pay a larger amount since I did not go abroad directly through UNI. The home stay was a bit more but I thought it was worth it for the cultural experience. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would try to purchase flights a month in advance if you plan to travel. The prices will be much cheaper than a week or few days before you plan to leave. Also buy groceries instead of eating out all the time. Save eating out for travel and sometimes buy groceries while traveling to help save money for sight seeing/attractions. |
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 |
They encouraged to use the language so that we would improve and because were I was living not many people spoke English. So it was beneficial. They also spoke Basque there so if you were to say "thank you" in Basque in a local bar the owners would love that. Even would give you better service if you came back or recognize you. |
| 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 Spanish I |
| 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? | While I was there I would write down a list of vocabulary I was learning and practice with my host family. Which they did not know much English. My host university also had a program where we could meet up with a student for the school. We would meet each week throughout the semester for coffee. They called it an "intercambio." My intercambio would speak in English while I spoke in Spanish. This was to help us both benefit from the experience and improve our language proficiency. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More of the culture and that I should have made plans of travel before going. I wish I had known more Spanish as well. |
