A Wonderful Experience Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 05/17/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a language and became more culturally aware

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It wasn't particularly rigorous academically, but professors were kind and helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was very accomodating and helpful, they became our friends.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was much more expensive than outside housing (not through the program) but it was very nice.

* Food:

I cooked my own food. It's not a great place to go for vegetarians because of the emphasis on meat in the country and region.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard to integrate in Bilbao culture, even though I was there for a year.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had one health problem throughout the year and it was extremely helpful.

* Safety:

One of the safest places in Europ!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would like to go to a different place where the people are more open

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)

It was one of the cheapest places in Europe.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $30 on food
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have a budget!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? a 400 level class
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? Talk to others, live with a family, get a job!

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 Staff
  • The Environment
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much I would miss my family

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.