Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in the rain of Spain Past Review

By (Journalism., University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 06/17/2013 to 05/22/2013 with

USAC Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence and a desire to see more of the world. I had traveled before, but it was a whole new experience. I really had time to enjoy the culture and I hope to see more of the people in this world and experience more cultures.

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.

The teachers were top notch. I felt challenged, but never overwhelmed by my coursework.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff members were awesome and real cared for their students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family and they pretty much made the trip. I loved talking with them and practicing Spanish with them. they really made me feel at home.

* Food:

If you love food you should love San Sebastian. I had some of the best food of my life while studying here.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the Basque people and found myself wanting to know more about their traditions and culture. I've even gone to a festival here in the states because I enjoyed the people there so much.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital because I was experiencing some pain in my abdomen. The staff of USAC helped translate for me and the doctors took good care of me. It also was relatively cheap compared to the cost of medicine in the U.S.

* Safety:

I never felt like I was in danger in the city. It was no problem to walk home late at night.

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)

I would be lying if I said it was easy or that Spain was cheap. I had a hard time paying for much of my expenses, but even though I didn't have a lot of money there are always ways to have fun without spending money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Since I stayed with a host family, they provided me with meals. I would still pay around 30-50 euro a week though going out.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? be aware of weekly specials and try to eat your breakfast and lunch at home.

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

I don't think I would have learned as much as I did without the program. I felt pushed often to speak in Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Spanish 312-Spanish lit
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? Find a local you like to hang out with and just hang out and talk.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes
  • Culture
  • people
* What could be improved?
  • connectivity with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how much your Spanish would improve by talking with locals. I learned a whole lot of Spanish, but I feel if I had been practicing more with locals I might have brought it up another level.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!