Studying abroad has truly been the experience of a lifetime! Past Review
By A student (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/17/2012 to 05/17/2012 with
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
My study abroad experience was extraordinary! I learned so much about cultural differences and tolerance. Also, the society that I lived in held strong morals and values and made me want to become a better person as well. My experience abroad was well worth every struggle I initially had and I would encourage any one to do it as well!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The business courses that I took were not so demanding work wise; however, the midterms were exceptionally difficult for the class as a whole. However the spanish track class was fantastic! I loved my professor, Marta, she was absolutely amazing! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The USAC office was like our family abroad. They looked after us on all aspects and were more than willing to help whenever needed. I also appreciated that they would always check-in with us to make sure we were enjoying our time and everything was going well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living conditions were fine; however, the cost came out to be much more than what was anticipated prior to leaving. Also, some parts of the town were more expensive to live in than others; however, we were not given the option to choose where we wanted to stay. |
| * Food: |
I mostly ate in my apartment or out in the city when I was at school. It is an adjustment not having fast food always conveniently available; however, it was fun exploring the different food options that are available. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There is definitely a cultural barrier that has to be broken down before you are able to assimilate into the culture: this meaning that sometimes it is the student that has to go out of their way to approach locals but it is well worth it! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The only concern that I had was with the mumps outbreak, but there was not much that could have been done. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe or in danger. Both, the school and the housing were in great locations. |
| 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) |
After taking out rent and utilities, general expenses were not very much for just staying in the city. However, eating out and traveling became very costly. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | around 70 euro a week without traveling |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Remember to save up for the little things that don't always come to mind. Transportation was a cost that we did not always think about, but definitely adds up especially when traveling. |
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 track courses were a great way to learn and practice the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | high school |
| 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? | Talk to the locals in their language: don't try to get away with speaking English. Also, an intercambio is a great way to practice the language and make a local friend! |
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? | How to better prepare for the food differences. I don't think I was able to figure out the right kind of milk to buy until my last month there! |
