Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing International Experience Past Review

By (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 02/02/2019 to 05/15/2019 with

International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture that I hadn't known prior to living in Seville. It's one thing to visit someplace, but spending months in a city allows you to really understand the area on a much deeper level and it was definitely a worthwhile experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at ICS were all very helpful with any questions and concerns we had. I like that this is a smaller program because everyone gets to know each other and you don't feel lost among a big group of people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my housemom so much, she really treated us like family and I never got homesick because of that.

* Food:

The food my housemom made was super good and I got to try a bunch of different Spanish dishes, which were all amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I learned a lot about the culture from the many excursions that we had. I appreciated them because I would not have known to go to all those places if I were to travel by myself.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The area around the school and my apartment felt very safe.

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

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 was very easy to save money since the program was all-inclusive. The only time I really spent money was when I traveled and shopped.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Location
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Class options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I wouldn't have changed anything

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!