Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I want to go back! Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 01/27/2019 to 05/15/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I always thought that I would do well in another country and it was cool to see how much I began to fit into everyday life. Towards the end I had people working at cafe's that knew I spoke some Spanish and English and I would help them if they ever got a tourist in there.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

The program gave a lot of excursion to get you out and about. Also you made friend with a lot of students from all over the US.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget plan before you go. I looked when I cam back and spent about $500 a month, not including the cost of housing a month

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Spanish 2
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? Get a host family with children close to your age. Then you can hangout with them and their friends and practice your Spanish comfortably.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked that they had excursions planned for us, because I would not have traveled beside myself.
  • I liked that we were able to stay for Feria while other programs had to leave before.
  • I liked my host families. I was so scared for that part, but they were both so nice to me
* What could be improved?
  • Having more options for classes. I don't know why, but I feel like it woul be cool to take a math or science class in Spanish.
  • Finsihing classes/exams before Feria so that the students can enjoy the last few days and also have time for packing
  • Giving transportation to an airport
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the classes that I was taking before I go to Spain.