Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Soy de Pais Vasco Past Review

By (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 05/22/2013 with

USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being more open-minded about everything and humanity is really good! I have met so many people who have made my trip the best study abroad experience ever and I'm extremely sad that five months flew by so fast.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Bilbao/Getxo is definitely one of the safest places I've ever been in. To be honest, after coming back to America, I actually miss how safe I felt in Bilbao!

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)

Living in Spain was definitely expensive. Add on traveling expenses and you will go broke.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than 40 if I don't travel anywhere, but if I travel, anywhere from 100-400 depending where I go.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write your expenses down (cash and card charges) and although I highly suggest trying different foods, cook as much as you can at home too because groceries in Spain were cheap!

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish I
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? Speak with the locals!

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting locals
  • Learning Spanish
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Absolutely nothing! This program was perfect.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How small the portions of food are in Spain....except the menu del dias.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.