USAC Bilbao was a pleasant surprise. Past Review
By Jasmeen M (Geology, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
It was amazing and I would do it again, and I might. The people were amazing and so was the place, it changed my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The topics were difficult, but they were taught well and graded fairly. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were some of the nicest people I have ever met and were always ready to offer advice or just talk. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very convenient location near the beach and metro station. Very safe location with spanish roommate. |
| * Food: |
Food was really expensive out. If I could do it over I would eat at home more, we had a full size kitchen, we just never used it. The food was okay there, lots of seafood. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We got to visit many places and travel to other countries, the culture there is very rich due to the basque tradition. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
It was rated one of the safest cities in the European Union, we regularly walked around at night and took all public transportation without worries. They were very helpful with finding my roommate a close and safe doctor when she had inner ear problems. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Way too much, but eating in sometimes would help save a lot of money. The most money I spent was when traveling away from Bilbao. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The majority of my money was almost all on food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced/Cultural Readings |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I took all spanish language classes and had chances to speak with my roommates and other students on the way to school on the public bus. |
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 |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I am very glad that I chose Bilbao. Although I almost always have to point out the city on a map when telling people where I went, it is a hidden gem. The fourth largest city in Spain had all of the wonderful aspects of a big city but so many extras. A world class museum, clean safe streets, and a rich history. the staff was amazing and so were my fellow students, they were looking for a rich experiences, not just the cliche vacation. It was wonderful. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Conversation |
| Course Department: | Spanish level 4/5 |
| Instructor: | Inigo |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | It was very fun and useful for everyday living in Bilbao. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | no |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Composition |
| Course Department: | Spanish 4/5 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Very informative, we had a variety of different activities including reading, writing and speaking. The information I learned has already helped me with my classes back in Arkansas. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No, it was perfect |
