Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Providence College) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Alicante, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. As far back as middle school, I knew I wanted to study abroad in college. As the time approached, I was hesitant because I was nervous to leave home and live in a completely different county and continent that speaks a different language. I knew that if I didn't take this opportunity when it presented itself, I would regret it for the rest of my life. I gained independence, maturity, and awareness for different cultures and political situations around the world. More importantly I gained lifelong friends, experiences and stories. Also, I was able to use a language that I almost never speak in the U.S.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All of the classes I took were conducted in Spanish. It gave me a chance to completely immerse myself in the language and soon I was able to think and respond in Spanish. I had a great academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was thoroughly pleased with CEA's administration. They were always there to help, they answered all of my questions, and left me without any doubts pre-departure. I did not feel overwhelmed or nervous.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment in the middle of the city with 2 American roommates. <br /><br /> The one thing I was unhappy with was the size of the bedrooms. One bedroom was a master suite with a big bed and a bathroom attached to the bedroom. The second bedroom was a normal size with a smaller-than-single bed and the third bedroom almost didn't even fit a bed. It was so small. It wasn't fair that the bedrooms varied in size to such an extent. Also, we didn't have any oven or a bbq so it was impossible to cook and grill things. We pretty much had to buy prepared food and microwave it or just make things on the stove. Our neighborhood was amazing. We lived in a great, trendy, part of town a few blocks from the beach. It was close to everything and it felt so safe.

* Food:

Spanish food in general is pretty bland. You have to get pretty creative.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Alicante was such a great place, culturally speaking, because there were things going on every weekend in the city center. There were countless parades, fairs, etc. Also, my program organized so many events. We went to museums, visited all of the historic places, went to all of the cities and towns surrounding Alicante and we also travelled as far as Granada and Toledo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My roommate has a sever nut allergy and one day she accidentally ate a nut in her cereal. We rushed to the hospital and we had no problems. They treated her right away and after everything was ok, they told her that they would take care of everything. We were provided insurance and they just needed the number on her card and everything was all set.

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

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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

My mother was born in Cuba so I am Cuban-American. I have grown up around a Spanish speaking family my whole life so my Spanish speaking skills were sufficient before I travelled abroad. I have only taken one Spanish course at Providence College because I am already advanced, so-to-speak, in that area of study. I was already an advanced speaker compared to the other students in my program but I can say that the other students, whom did not speak Spanish as well, improved greatly in their time abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Alicante is a great destination if you're overwhelmed by the aspect of "big city living". If you love the beach, easy-going living and meeting great people, Alicante is a great place to study.