Life changing and spectacular, I never thought I would love it so much! Past Review

By (University of New Mexico) - abroad from 01/05/2016 to 05/11/2016 with

USAC Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained self confidence and new language skills

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.

We learned so much in so little time! I am now conversationally fluent in Spanish and loved all the staff.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Patricia and everyone in USAC is there at all times. They help with everything from planning excursions, finding housing, and even taking you to the doctor.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Large terrace, beach view, and affordable... perfect.

* 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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose USAC San Sebastian again because I had an amazing support group and friends. The city was amazing, full of culture, and easy to travel to other areas from.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 25 euro for fodd and if I went clothes shoppping or for day trips maybe 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook for yourself as much as possible, and don't leave the heater on.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 101
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? Make local friends, and get an intercambio (language partner)

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The beach
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • More excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it rained so much in February

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 Adventurer
The 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.