Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mis experiencias increibles en Espana. Past Review

By (Advertising., University of Tampa) - abroad from 09/01/2012 to 03/31/2013 with

Adelante: Seville - Semester, Summer and Intern in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained immense Spanish skills, writing samples, the experience of living in a new country for an extended amount of time, new friends, independence in a new place, and travel experiences that I can't even begin to describe.

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.

Intensity of the internship was perfect for my Spanish skill-set going into it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great in-country support, someone to call and people checking in constantly, 24/7

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location, great amenities, great landlord, could not have asked for more.

* Food:

The food in Spain speaks for itself, excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

FABULOUS. Adelante set me up with a newspaper outside of the city of Seville for a more personal and intimate feel. The neighborhood is smaller, and very authentic. I have loved the feeling of somewhat becoming a local.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not a problem to speak of but I know I would be taken care of if need be.

* Safety:

Absolutely no problems, neither have I heard of any. Seville has been a warm and welcoming city.

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)

Seville is not a cheap city, but not many in Europe are. I have found managing expenses to be relatively easy.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 Euros a week, more or less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery stores! Find a suggestion for a cheap one and get your food there, such a big help in saving money.

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

This was the best part. I went to immerse myself and gain fluency in Spanish. It has been a difficult and ongoing procedure, but I feel more confident every day.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Minor in Spanish
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? Don't be afraid to speak!!!!!!!!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The internship was a great chance to enhance my writing and my spanish
  • It was a safe are helpful way to adapt to a new culture
  • The travel opportunities!
* What could be improved?
  • A more structured schedule for some, but I was able to create this myself
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I felt extremely prepared and Adelante lived up to everything they advertised with their programs. The work experience was even better than I could have imagined.

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.