Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I was discriminated against. Past Review

By (Citrus College) - abroad from 02/25/2019 to 05/18/2019 with

AIFS: Seville - Universidad de Sevilla

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile. The experience also taught me how to constantly think outside of the box and to prevail when times get really hard.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

As a non-traditional student {studying abroad with a child} participating in this program, I was consistently discriminated against by the coordinators of the activities and excursions. Professors and other students were given permission to bring along family members, friends, spouses and their child to all excursions. The moment I inquired if my child could attend, I was consistently given the answer of "we have to have a meeting or consult on it."

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I arranged for my own housing.

* Food:

I arranged for my own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived an hour from where other students where housed so, I got to completely experience Spain outside of the tourist area.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Students were trapped n elevators and some of the apartments were a disaster according to several students that were seeking refunds.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The problem is lacking on many levels. All of the organizations involved are not on the same page,

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 fairly easy due to the Gilman and FEA scholarships and private funding. I aslo shopped at the Superco economy markets.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 35-40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? plan ahead and save.

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? None
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? none
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? Speak to other students using the host country language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I got to live outside of student housing
  • I got to live completely immersed into a neighborhood outside of the tourist area
  • I could operate independently from the chaos surrounding the program.
* What could be improved?
  • housing for homestay students and students living in apartments
  • the inclusion of not only staff family members but expats with children
  • communication between all organizations involved in the program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was the first person to attempt to study abroad with their child.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

SLC
Course Department: Humanities
Instructor: Professor afzalia
Instruction Language: English/Spanish
Comments: The professor id not actually teah the class nor was she responsible for the lectures. There were weekly guest lecturers that offered a historic background to Spain. The professor required students to submit journals and we were graded by our journals.
Credit Transfer Issues: