Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Keepin it real in Seville Past Review

By (History And English, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

Academic Studies Abroad: Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That is a loaded question. I learned a lot about the spanish culture and obviously a lot about myself. Yes, totally worthwhile! Highly recommended

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.

I had a couple really great classes, but I don't like that most of the test are in class essays. Big emphasis on memorizing, not much on analyzing. Particularly in History classes

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated, but I would recommend finding a program that has classes with spaniards if your spanish is good enough. Mine was not so this program was good for me since they had plenty of classes in english

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Sevilla is an incredibly safe city, I never felt like I was in a bad area or in any danger

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 difficult with traveling, but just being in sevilla is not too expensive. Just being in Europe has a tendency to drain money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? No telling, but my host mom had three meals a day if I needed it
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go to London if you want to save money. I spent most of my money on one trip. Traveling in Spain is awesome and not expensive, go to small towns if you can

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

All my classes were with Americans, but they had classes taught in Spanish. My Spanish conversation class was really good, and they offered spanish tables a couple of times a month. Also my intercambio was awesome. Good program for all spanish levels

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 102
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? Go out. Get an intercambio and make spanish friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Travel
  • New Friends
  • Trips offered
* What could be improved?
  • Classes with Spaniards
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You really have to make a concentrated effort to practice spanish

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!