A Wonderful Experience Past Review
By A student (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 05/17/2017 with
USAC Spain: Bilbao/Getxo - International Business and Spanish Language Studies
I learned a language and became more culturally aware
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It wasn't particularly rigorous academically, but professors were kind and helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very accomodating and helpful, they became our friends. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was much more expensive than outside housing (not through the program) but it was very nice. |
| * Food: |
I cooked my own food. It's not a great place to go for vegetarians because of the emphasis on meat in the country and region. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It is hard to integrate in Bilbao culture, even though I was there for a year. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had one health problem throughout the year and it was extremely helpful. |
| * Safety: |
One of the safest places in Europ! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would like to go to a different place where the people are more open |
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) |
It was one of the cheapest places in Europe. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $30 on food |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a budget! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | a 400 level class |
| 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 others, live with a family, get a job! |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | I wish I knew how much I would miss my family |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
