Sevilla, You Will Not Abandon Me NO8DO Past Review

By (International Busines, Bryant University) for

API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Universidad Pablo de Olavide

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, and became very independent. I learned not to be afraid in unplanned or unexpected situations. I learned to navigate, budget, and plan. The experience allowed me to become a member in another society and truly understand the day to day aspects of life abroad in this little part of the world.

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.

the workload was very manageable, the grading system was on a scale of 1-10 and was very relaxed compared to the U.S. The teaching methods were pretty similar with lectures, but few out of class assignments were required. Professors were very lenient and expected much less of students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The API office was easily accessible and were very supportive. My expectations were met it was just frustrating that we arrived in Madrid so if you bought a round trip ticket on the way home each individual was responsible for getting back to Madrid with all of their luggage.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the area we lived in and it was very close to everything and nightlife. The apartment wasn't very clean, but we got used to it. The host family was very nice and treated me as a guest/friend.

* Food:

The food was good, our house mom adapted to what we liked and if we ate meat or not. Dining out was not my favorite tapas were not always of good quality.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

our program took us to Paris and Granada which was awesome and also a few other places such as Cordoba and Toledo. The trips were always fun, sometimes hectic/unorganized.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt safe in my host country. Healthcare was easily accessible I had to go to the doctor once and was reimbursed through my program. A student in my program did pass away from a treatable sickness that just went unrecognized.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Fun leaders
  • lots of travel/activities
* What could be improved?
  • planning of some trips
  • planning of departure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A student who is adventurous and willing to try something new and truly immerse themselves in the culture, who wants to become apart of their new city and call it their home.