Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Basque Adventure Past Review

By (Registered Nurse, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 08/29/2018 to 12/22/2017 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 really improved my language skills, my independence skills and I learned so much about other cultures. I gained so many experiences that I will never forget.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some of the best teachers I have ever had that genuinely care about your experience and how much you are learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All very nice and extremely helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the center of the city with 2 other girls and the house was old, but perfect for college kids and the location was awesome.

* Food:

Some of the best food I have ever had in my entire life, which is why it is voted some of the best in the world.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated and my university offered a lot of options to get involved with the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the doctor and I was accompanied with a teacher. It was very easy and they made me feel extremely comfortable.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe once here.

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

I absolutely fell in love with the city, the program and the people I met. Overall I would not have taken back anything.

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)

It depends what you buy of course, but overall it was affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money and it'll go a long way. Try to find deals even abroad.

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

Encouraged us to use it as much as possible.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Spanish 206
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to use the language as much as possible, really immerse yourself in it and it is okay to make mistakes, that is how you become fluent.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • LOCATION
  • activities offered
  • my classes
* What could be improved?
  • the field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To never spend a day inside, spend everyday adventuring and trying something new.

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.