I feel a lot more American because of my study abroad Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The American educational system seems superior in almost every way, except for maybe lowering your blood pressure. I learned a lot more at home than I did here. Professors seem reluctant to provide a combination of written/oral/visual materials. Course requirements were often unclear. The main issue is that American universities evaluate continually throughout the year, whereas here the final exam, with multiple sittings, determines the grade. It's just a different worldview, "work to live' rather than "live to work". It will probably drop your GPA down too, since the professors grade differently (much harsher).

On-site administration of your program

No complaints.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There are a lot of student apartments here, though many of them lack basics such as internet or air conditioning. Don't live in Benimaclet, instead go by Blasco Ibanez or to the South, there are more students there. <br /><br /> The neighborhood was close to campus, everything here feels safer than in Austin.

Spanish food has small portions and can be overpowering in terms of flavor. The weak dollar in the fall meant that I ate at home a lot.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are some neat trips offered through the ERASMUS organizations here. Las Fallas and San Juan are cool and memorable. If you're going to study here, come in the Spring or Summer. This place is dead in the Winter.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt no problems with safety here. I didn't use healthcare while I was here. Stay away from certain areas near the beach, the gypsy ghetto, and you should be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

There were many opportunities to improve your Spanish here, as it was necessary everyday. Almost no one spoke English here, but I guess I managed. It forced you to improve.

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students