Past Review
By Kayla W (Linguistics., Barnard College) for
USAC Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies
This question is difficult to answer just because my study abroad experience was more than worthwhile. I would never change where I went or when I went. I wish I was still there. It completely changed my attitude toward life, what I value, how I view things and what I want to do in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes weren't as difficult as my home university, however that gave me the chance to do many cultural things that I would have had time to do if the classes were as challenging. I learned more Spanish in my language class than I've ever learned in any other course, at my university or in high school. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site administration really cared about every student who studied through the program. They were extremely accessible. They helped me from everything from getting a library card to talking to my landlady when my hot water broke. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment on San Francisco street in Gros with two other American girls studying through the program. Although my landlady turned out to be not so pleasant in the end, the apartment was in ok shape and was very comfortable. <br /><br /> Although I didn't live with local or international students and that didn't help my language acquisition, I was still extremely satisfied with my housing situation. The only downside was that the pans provided were horrible. And the landlady wasn't a very nice person. |
| * Food: |
San Sebastian has the best food of anywhere I've ever been. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was a small program so everyone knew each other pretty well. The program organized great trips to Madrid and Burgos. I wish there had been some sort of good-bye dinner. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
When I had an ear infection, someone from the office brought me to the doctor. They paid for my bus and the woman translated everything the doctor said, just to make sure that I understood it. The administrators of the program personally cared about the health of every student. My insurance company reimbursed me for the visit and the antibiotics once I sent them the receipts. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I didn't know that I would have to pay utilities each month, which would have been nice to know so I could budget for it. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300-level |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My confidence in my language ability increased more than anything. I became much more comfortable speaking spanish. Not many people spoke English in San Sebastian so I was forced to speak spanish everywhere. |
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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* Who did you take classes 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? | Do it. |
