Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely amazing, I would do it again in a heartbeat Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 01/17/2016 to 05/20/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely gained some independence from traveling solo and navigating foreign countries alone. I gained a lot of international experience and my Spanish has improved a lot.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

API did a fantastic job at integrating us into the culture while including excursions all over Spain and even to Portugal. The directors were phenomenal and my host family was amazing as well.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It varied largely depending if I traveled that weekend or not. Weeks that I did not travel I spent hardly any money because my host family provided every meal
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to look for more local scholarships. Ask family members, friends, co-workers, etc. if they know anyone or if their company gives out scholarships. This is way easier and more effective than sifting through thousands of general scholarships that any study abroad student can apply for.

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? Beginner
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? 200 level
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 go through a program with other Americans. You simply won't speak spanish with them no matter how many times you try. I absolutely loved my program, but if I had wanted to perfect my spanish I should have gone through an intensive language program

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
  • International Students
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 excursions and events they had planned for us
* What could be improved?
  • Giving the kids who wanted to be more integrated into the culture more chances to meet locals and get involved.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Spain and studying abroad would be amazing. I was very apprehensive before going abroad but once I got there I was never homesick. I think I may be more homesick from leaving!!

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!