Alicante: Provoke your comfort zone. Past Review

By (Nursing, University of Iowa) for

CIEE: Alicante - Summer Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing. But...I needed more time their to get my language to the level that I had hoped it would be.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of information to cram into such a short time. I felt overwhelmed at times by how fast the language course was going. It's hard to learn and retain everything in only 6 weeks while still getting the outside-of-the-classroom experiences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

No complaints. Very organized. I felt confident and connected from the start

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was amazing. Spanish madre cooked all meals and gave sack lunches. Delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Intercambio opportunity to connect with local Spaniards.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe. Alicante is friendly city, easy to navigate, and inviting to students like us.

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

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

My host family, classmates, teachers, people. EVERYONE in Alicante Spoke Spanish. The only English I ever heard were from other students in my program. I loved it. I just wish I had more time!

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Study abroad is difficult...something that people forget to mention it seems. You'll be in a foreign country with a foreign language without your family and friends. The type of student that would benefit the most is someone who is up for this challenge. An independent individual who is confident enough to be their own person. They need to have a willingness to try anything and a positive attitude.