Unforgettable and a truly worthwhile experience! Past Review
By Aeleah Granger (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/10/2016 to 05/21/2016 with
USAC Spain: San Sebastián - Spanish Language, Basque, Psychology, and European Studies
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone in the local USAC office in Donostia was always friendly and helpful. They truly helped make the transition and experience of living abroad incredible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living locally in an apartment with other English native students was a good balance for me. Outside of the apartment was a buzzing city filled with new and interesting people and places, but home was a sanctuary if I needed a little break from my second language. |
| * Food: |
Eat everything. Seriously. Just try it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The USAC office made many trips and local events available to us and encouraged us to get involved with the local culture and citizens. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had several health problems while I was abroad, including wisdom teeth that needed to be removed immediately. The care and attention I received was good. |
| * Safety: |
Be smart as you would anywhere (not walking alone at night, for example) but I never felt unsafe in San Sebastian. |
| 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) |
Weekly expenses were close to what I pay for food and entertainment at my home university. |
| 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? | Plan and save ahead. |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | n/a |
| 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? | Find a study buddy and get an intercambio. I did not take advantage of the language building opportunity as much as I should have and I regret that. |
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? | 0 |
