Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience that sparked my desire for more adventure. Past Review

By (Ohio Northern University) - abroad from 05/22/2017 to 07/22/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and learned to be extremely self sufficent, I now truly feel like I can go anywhere, do anything, and concur any fear I have because of this experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ibon (The Resident Director) was incredible. Extremely helpful with anything you needed as well as being a very friendly and welcoming person.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment and roommates were great, however, I wish I had lived in a homestay so that I could have embraced the culture even more as well as be able to practice my Spanish more.

* Food:

Pintxos are fantastic and available at every bar.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The basque culture is fascinating and it was interesting to see the differences between Spanish and Basque.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A friend of mine dislocated her shoulder while surfing. She was immediately taken to the hospital and given fantastic care including physical therapy for the duration of the program.

* Safety:

Bilbao and Getxo are very safe, I never had any situations where I felt like I was in danger of any kind.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Bilbao is a beautiful city with getxo so nearby that it is easy to go from the top of a mountain to the heart of downtown to a beautiful beach.

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 spent a fair amount on traveling around Europe but it was easy to budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook in your apartment for some meals, do not go out to eat for every meal.

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

Bilbao is not a very touristy city so most of the locals did not speak english which made it easy to practice my 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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None in College
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 in a homestay. Be willing to put yourself out there and try speaking. Talk to shop owners and bar tenders and people you meet. Do not just be a tourist, really try to immerse yourself in the language and the culture.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The people I met (including students in my program, locals, professors, and other travelers in different cities/countries)
  • The location
  • The basque culture
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The value of living in a homestay.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.