Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It was enriching, exhilarating, changing and magical. Past Review

By (Spanish Secondary Education, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 09/12/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Universidad de Sevilla

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained not only knowledge of Spanish culture, but knowledge of myself, the opportunity to "soul search", enrichment, great friends, confidence and fluency in the Spanish language. It is impossible to fathom the study abroad experience until one has personally experienced it. It is truly magical.

Review Photos

API (Academic Programs International): Seville - University of Seville Photo API (Academic Programs International): Seville - University of Seville Photo API (Academic Programs International): Seville - University of Seville Photo API (Academic Programs International): Seville - University of Seville Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The API office was frequently open and available, and definitely provided us with all the necesary resources and knowledge to stay safe and succeed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our residencia mother was extremely friendly and took great care in preparing wholesome and healthy meals for us as well as cleaning our apartment.

* Food:

The food our residencia mother made us, Rosa Saenz, was delicious, healthy and varied. She took great care to go out of her way to make sure we were always well fed and healthy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being pale and blonde, it is difficult to "blend in" with the local culture, but that didn't stop me from making connections and communicating. I became knowledgeable and somewhat comfortable in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I had no health issues during the program, some of my peers who did fall ill were urgently and well taken care of.

* Safety:

Always walk in groups at night of course, especially women. Have small purse that you can hold to your side at all times.

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)

Food tends to be very expensive and traveling on your own with friends (flight buses, food) can be very expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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

We were encouraged to speak Spanish at all events and were directed to Language Interchange groups and partners.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 400 level college courses
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? Stay in a host family, where you will need to speak the language regardless, and always speak to strangers in Spanish first. Be sure to participate in the Language Interchange groups and partner programs.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Weekend expeditions to Paris, Granada, Aracena, etc.
  • Emphasis on relationships among other study abroad student: "we are all in this together"
  • planned cultural events and agendas to help us experience the culture.
* What could be improved?
  • Perhaps having more of the meals on expeditions included so student's don't have to look for them elsewhere in the cities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known that it would end up to be a very positive growing experience; perhaps I would then not have been so anxious and apprehensive at the beginning.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.