La Mejor Decisión de Mí Vida Past Review
By Caroline K (Hearing and Speech Sciences, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 08/27/2013 to 12/19/2013 with
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
I went with the intention of learning the Spanish culture and language, but what I really gained was that I learned so much about myself that I simply couldn't have acquired at home. I met incredible people and made lifelong memories.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although I did learn a fair amount, the workload was not overwhelming and thus we were able to learn more outside the classroom. I had Silvia for my Track III Courses -- she is absolutely fabulous! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
FABULOUS. This was my first time traveling outside of the US. The USAC staff are some of the nicest, most helpful people I have ever met. They are there for you whenever you need them, and they enjoy what they do. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I became close with my host mom and brother. I had my own bedroom and was treated to home cooked meals three times each day. I still keep in touch with my host family via Facebook. |
| * Food: |
Most almuerzos were home cooked and delicious. We occasionally ordered out for food as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had many opportunities to become involved with the local culture (volunteer opportunities, sports, conversation partners), but we did spend the majority of the time with other students from the program. You need to push yourself a bit if you wish to really immerse yourself. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health needs addressed while abroad, but there were pharmacies on nearly every street corner. Several other students made use of the health clinic. |
| * Safety: |
Alicante is a smaller town and generally was very safe. We always walked in groups at night, but I never felt insecure. As long as you are careful with your belongings (phones, purses, cameras, etc) you will be fine. |
| 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) |
The housing prices were not very different from those of the DC area, and tuition was only slightly more expensive because I am an in-state student. The homestay fee was 22 euros/day (about 660 euros per month) which included three meals per day. Traveling/spending money is what will require the most planning. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25-50 euros (food was already paid for with the homestay fees), not including travel expenses |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look into where you want to travel while abroad! You can often save money by booking trips in advance, or at least knowing the best options. |
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 |
The USAC staff were fluent in English and Spanish, and would reply in whichever language you spoke to them in. You were only allowed to speak Spanish during language classes, but it was up to you to continue to use it during everyday conversation. |
| 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? | 207 |
| 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? | -Set all electronics to Spanish mode (phone, laptop, etc) -Read in Spanish (magazines, books) -Watch Spanish television |
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?
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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? | Your semester abroad will go by so quickly. Don't take a single second for granted. Do things you never thought you'd do. Take advantage of things you don't have in your home environment. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
