Life changing and incredible Past Review
By Ellen A (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 07/14/2012 with
CIEE: Alicante - Summer Language and Culture
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I gained so much knowledge about Spain's culture and language, as well as my own country in comparison. I gained life-long friends and memories I'll cherish forever!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | The University of Alicante |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were fast-paced due to the condensed summer schedule, but taught well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors and administration were extremely welcoming and helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Be aware of your surroundings and hold on to your belongings! |
| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $100.00 because I shopped a lot and traveled. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep a journal of what you spend, so you're more aware of your budget. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | SPN611D |
| 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? | Have daily conversations with other people that speak the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew there would not be air conditioning in my host families apartment, so I would have packed more accordingly. |
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