Alicante was the best experience of my life! Past Review
By Matthew S (Spanish and Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota - Duluth) for
USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies
Improving my Spanish was a large factor, but understanding a new culture was a bit more of a surprise. I didn't realize how much different it was. My personality changed for the better.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | La Universidad de Alicante |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I feel that the Educational experience while abroad is SO much more than just classroom activities. Everything around is teaching you something if you let it in and accept changes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Location was great, and family was awesome! |
| * Food: |
I'll try pretty much anything and the food my family made was phenomenal! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Field trips were great and the life away from the university was fantastic to learn the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had any health issues while abroad, and I never felt endangered. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I learned a lot and improved my Spanish drastically, but just make sure you speak Spanish with the other Study Abroad students. After all, that's what you are there for. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | USAC was amazing. The staff was great in assisting whatever needs students had and encouraged participation in cultural events around campus and around town. I became a more outgoing person and made great friends. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything! |
