San Sebastian-Beauty and Culture Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 05/06/2016 with

Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao/ San Sebastian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Insight about myself and other cultures, as well as language knowledge. Definitely worth it!

Review Photos

Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao/ San Sebastian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao/ San Sebastian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao/ San Sebastian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao/ San Sebastian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad de Deusto: Bilbao/ San Sebastian - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

It really wasn't rigorous at all. Plenty of resources when you needed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved the location and learned so much Spanish and about the culture. I also made so many international friends, mostly from Europe, that I will keep in contact with for years to come.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? San Sebastian is a relatively expensive city, just from the location so traveling to and from was a bit pricier. The city itself also has a cost because it's so beautiful. $75-100 each week on average

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

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? Intermediate language classes
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? Go out into the city and talk with locals in stores and restaurants. I lived with a host family, so I was forced to speak Spanish.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • People
  • Places
* What could be improved?
  • A bit more class flexibility
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was a great program, but a bit costly. Also, that I would be able to transfer my language classes better

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.