Had the time of my life in San Sebastian, Spain Past Review
By Laura H (spanish, Mount Union College) for
USAC Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies
I learned so much about the Spanish culture as well as the Basque culture. I made a ton of lifelong friends and was able to speak Spanish everyday. San Sebastian is a beautiful city filled with great people. I miss it so much. I would recommend this program to everyone! I really did have the time of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
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 USAC professor are always willing to help you if you have any problem. The university is great, but there aren't a whole lot of computers, so if you have a laptop, bring it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The USAC office is located at the university, directly where you take your classes, so it is very convenient. The staff really try to help you in the best way they can. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a nice apartemnet in a really safe, really exciting location. It was right in the center of the city so I was within walking distance of everything. My landlord was really sweet and patient. I always felt safe. The apartment was fully furnished and came with sheets and pillows too!!! |
| * Food: |
There is a cafeteria in every building at the university which is very reasonable priced. Each has different items, so there is a variety to choose from. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made the best friends while in San Sebastian!!! I made a lot of American friends from the USAC prgram and I had many local friends too. There is so much to do in the city. Some of the highlights are San Sebastian Day and Carnivales. There's also hiking, swimming, clubs and much more. USAC also takes two excursions during the semster. My groups went to Burgos and to the Guggenheim Museam in Bilbao!!! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
San Sebastian is a very safe city. The streets are well-lit and there are a lot of police around. I never once felt unsafe, even at night. I was unfortunately sick while I was there and it was at least rerally easy to see a doctor there and get the medicine I needed. |
| 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? |
USAC offers a great intercambio program where they connect you with a local student who wants to practice their English and you take turns speaking both languages. I still talk to my intercambio even today. We became really good friends and she is actually coming to the U.S. to visit me soon!!! |
| 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? | The San Sebastian program is great for students that want city life, and a hometown feel all at the same time. |
