USAC Bilbao: The best decision I've ever made Past Review
By Alissa Z (Spanish and Iberian Studies., University of North Dakota) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/21/2014 with
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
I learned more about the Spanish language, obviously, but I learned even more about myself. Going abroad was such an eye-opening experience. I was worth every penny.
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. |
Some of the best professors I've ever had. Track 3 with Rosana. That woman could teach an elephant to fly. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
The food in Spain is literally the best. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Bilbao isn't a big tourist destination like Madrid or Barcelona, so you're surrounded by strictly Spaniards the entire time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
USAC has this down. No worries whatsoever regarding health care while you're there. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You'll probably end up spending more than you anticipate, so always budget more than you think you'll need, just to be safe. |
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 |
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| 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? | 300-level Spanish |
| 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? | You'll have to force yourself to use the language because you're going to school with a lot of Americans. You learn SO much in class, just be sure to use it outside of class with an intercambio or host family. Finding Spanish friends will help tremendously. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | The Spanish social culture is very different than that in America. Be prepared to be out and about all the time. There is so much to do, never sit at home. Appreciate all the time you have there. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
