Best lifestyle, unforgettable experience. Past Review

By (Spanish, Portland State University) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/17/2014 with

USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned SO MUCH. About Spanish, history, art, culture, other ways of life. There were so many other foreign students too that I learned so much from. Completely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were challenging but fun. Very small classes allowed for the most personalized teaching I have ever had. I also really enjoyed how well rounded the professors are. We would go off topic at times but still highly educational. I learned so much about Europe and Spain through them. They were also very supportive of our outside traveling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

By far the most helpful advisers I have ever had in my five years now of school. Luis will literally go out of his way for any of the students. I have never in my life seen someone who genuinely cares about his students like he does. He really tries to please everyone but will hold you accountable so don't try to slack off with him. Veronica and Sylvain are just as helpful and they all make a great team.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was phenomenal. I am pretty sure we had the best apartment. Management could have been better, and more professional. Our landlord constantly sought to have meetings with me and my roommates and we would be unable to make it sometimes which then caused her to call our advisers and it was just all completely unnecessary in my opinion. They do not have online bill pay like in the US, and it is still a little old fashioned but good overall. The apartment itself was modest but had everything we needed. VERY close to markets, restaurants, clubs, the beach. The location was extraordinary.

* Food:

By far the most disappointing part of the experience for me but mind you- I am from a very traditional Mexican family that cooks every day with fresh ingredients and LOTS of spices. Spanish food is pretty boring for me. They mostly eat bread and ham and some cheese. NO spicy food anywhere and not even salt and pepper sometimes. I recommend you take some bottles of hot sauce prior to going. Also, you will not have the convenience of getting food at any time of the day like in the US. There are set hours for everything and there will be a time during the night where nothing will be open. The Mercado Central is incredible though where you can find fresh food at an affordable price. The produce is ridiculously cheap and there are not nearly as many GMOs like in the US. You will probably get a healthier weight like I did after being there. Lots of cheap and delicious olive oil, and sangria. Those were my favorites- and the gelato! I did miss enchiladas like I've never missed something before but for people who are not used to delicious Mexican food or other cultural foods then Spanish food will be great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel like I made lots of Spanish friends necessarily but I did feel very integrated to the culture and made lots of international friends from other parts of Europe especially and of course the American students. Making friends was not an issue or finding things to do... The intercambio program that USAC set up was also very helpful for connecting with other spanish students and I have two very close friends that I can stay with in Spain now anytime.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an issue that needed medical treatment. It was easy to get assistance but it took a long time before the issue was resolved. It is a lot easier to get prescription medicine in Spain compared to back home but you have to pay out of pocket for those costs and then fill out paperwork to be reimbursed.

* Safety:

The safest city I have literally ever been in. I never heard of assault incidents and this is a very party city. As a girl- safety is always a concern for me but in Alicante it was honestly not an issue. All of our apartments were very close to the bars/clubs, and there is always people out late so it's not weird to go home at 5-6am. In fact if you go home at 3am people think you are weird.

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

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)

I did not realize how much money I spend in the US on gas, food, going out on weekends that it was far cheaper to do all of that in Spain. Not driving helped a lot. I was really good about saving in the summer before I left, but I made a budget for myself of 1000 dollars which is about 700euros for every month. This allowed me to spend about 200 euros a month on very good fresh groceries, with which I would cook at home almost every day and buy one lunch item at school every day. This included 250/month for rent and transportation which was about 35 euros a month. It also included utilities and going out expenses. If I wanted to eat out you would spend a little more but there are always specials happening in town.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? As I mentioned above it was about 50 dollars a week for grocery food and depending on what you buy eating out can be about 15 euros a meal so we saved that for special ocassions.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? DO NOT spend all your money the first month. It is so easy to get carried away. Cook at home as much as possible, book your flights as soon as you get to the program if you plan on flying out of the country. There are super cheap flights to be had if you buy them in advance. Also, pregame at home before going to clubs since you don't have to worry about driving!

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

You have to make yourself speak Spanish because it is far too easy to just want speak English with the other students.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 303
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? Get an intercambio, and practice with locals on everyday things !

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Lifestyle
  • Cost
  • Support
* What could be improved?
  • Housing payments/landlord relationships
  • ice breakers so we can all meet each other at first
  • better food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have NOT taken my high heels. i did not need them and they weighed a lot in my suitcase. Also, you will shop so make room for that stuff.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'