API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Pablo de Olavide University Photo

Sevilla, Spain: Wouldn't trade the experience for ANY THING and would do it all over in a heartbeat.

Program Information

Pablo de Olavide University is a state institution founded in 1997. Its mission is to educate the men and women of tomorrow through a strong academic program, innovative research, and a highly educated faculty. Taking full advantage of its resources and structure, it offers meaningful solutions to the scientif... More

Provider: Academic Programs International (API)
Location(s): Seville, Spain
Year Founded: 1997
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Sonya D. (marketing, The College of William and Mary) on August 27, 2010

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2010-01-18
* End Date: 2010-05-21
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't feel like I actually learned a whole lot about the topic of my class compared to what I would learn at William and Mary, but that's because the teachers took into consideration the fact that we are also there to experience the culture and see the country. Therefore, it wasn't as intense as it would be at WM and I think that was a good way to go.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

It was me, another girl in my program, and a spanish lady. She didn't really talk to us a whole lot, but she was a sweetheart. I just wish I had a spanish "family" as opposed to just one lady.

* 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:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did The College of William and Mary prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling cost a lot more than I anticipated

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 202
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Immerse yourself.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? DO IT! You won't regret it. Sevilla is a beautiful city and the people are very kind and I have nothing bad to say about it (other than during the summer it's really really hot)
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Absolutely. I learned so much about differences in culture. I also gained a very decent grip on the language.