Most rewarding experience that enhanced my Spanish speaking skills and cultural awareness! Past Review
By Bryan F (Sociology, Indiana University - Northwest) for
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
When I arrived back at home I instantly felt like I had left a small part of me elsewhere. It was so rewarding to share a month of my life with people that were there only to help me grow as a student and to make my life comfortable while there. I would love to return as soon as I can and eventually travel Europe. I had more Spanish classes to take when I returned to my home university and it was immediately apparent the difference in understanding and speaking I had from fellow students who didn't have the opportunity I had.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload for my class was easily handled because it was the only class I was taking so I was able to focus solely on learning the Spanish language in and outside of class. I was left with plenty of free time after my studies to do whatever I pleased. The class was challenging but not overwhelming. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program I was involved with had about 50 students, I believe and classes ranged from 5-10 students. We had our own office that we could always access if there was any question academically or about anything else. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of where I stayed was right by the smaller downtown area as well as right next to the metro that I could take to any other area I wanted to go to. Everything I needed was taken care of for my room, I even had a desk and plenty of closet space. The family was awesome, they didn't have children but a niece and nephew that frequently visited which reminded me of home. I did have to share a bathroom with the other student that was there which was never a real problem except she took the longest showers, ha! They gave us keys to the apartment and if I ever wasn't going to make it home for the night they just asked that I would call or leave a note letting them know which was perfectly fine for me. My family had 3-4 meals or snacks prepared every day and they were the nicest people. |
| * Food: |
I eat practically anything so I fit right in. There was a lot of seafood around town but we hit up a few American places (McDonald's, Pizza Hut) just to get a fix a few times. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The nightlife was a great way to meet people younger in age but that was also possible on campus. It was awesome visiting the art museums and the Guggenheim. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There was never an instance where I felt unsafe. One friend of mine caught a cold and her host mom took her to the doctor and she received antibiotics without any problems. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family who spoke only Spanish. The host dad could pronounce English words if he looked them up if there was a miscommunication. Most of my classmates would speak English outside of the classroom however there were plenty of interactions with locals to keep up on the learning. Just hearing it on a regular basis in the home and having host parents who were accustomed to having students of varying levels of Spanish was so important. That was the main influence on my progression. I also had an 'intercambio' whom was a student from Spain who would meet with me and work on her English while I worked on my Spanish. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't hesitate! If you're considering going abroad and you have even minimal people skills, do it! No one I talked to felt out of place and there was always support if you needed anything. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer. If you're worried about missing home, don't be. Technology is great and there is the internet, Skype, as well as international cell phones you can rent over there. Buena Suerte! |
