Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best and most independent four months I could have imagined. Past Review

By (Saint Anselm College) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That you need to leave your bubble and put yourself in an uncomfortable experience in order for it to be beneficial. I met so many people that I would have never had the chance to meet if I didn't go abroad. I'm so thankful that I was pushed to go because it also made me look at things much more appreciatively back home.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad de Pablo Olavide
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses that I took at Pablo Olavide were definitely not a breeze but I feel like I learned a lot more there than I could have ever imagined within my academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API was incredibly helpful through every step and set up amazing excursion with the entire program. I went to nearly every one give or take one or two and had an exceptional experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Residencia with a 70-75 year old couple, Ana and Enrique. I was given nineteen other roommates and made best friends with at least half of them. I couldn't have been more thankful for my Housing experience. They cooked, cleaned, and helped us whenever we needed it. I wasn't expecting this sort of support when I left for Spain but I feel like I left with a third set of grandparents.

* Food:

Ana had to cook for twenty of us so it had to have been difficult for her to do. Sometimes the food wasn't amazing -- but I was never expecting it to be. It was traditional Spanish with sometimes an American kick. She cooked two meals a day for us every day minus Sunday. It was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was lucky that in Sevilla, the Sevillanos are very culturally oriented and old-fashioned. I learned more Spanish than I expected to because how little English everyone knew. The only downfall I'd say is that I wish I had met more Spanish students my age. The University kept us pretty apart from the Spanish students so it was difficult to meet anyone.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not experience any health issues except for minor bumps and bruises that Ana helped me with.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Sevilla nearly all of te time.

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)

Sevilla was surprisingly cheap and I actually was able to come home with SOME money (not much).

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Fluctuated between 50-80 euro on what I was doing that week not including trips.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't always be worrying about money -- I wish I worried less because it's not always the most important thing.

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

Our program instructors rarely spoke English with us unless we truly needed help.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Advanced Literature
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? All I know is that I wish I spoke Spanish even more while I was abroad. My friends were all American and English was so natural that it was difficult to speak in Spanish outside of the house.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • How attentive they were to the students needs.
  • Their encouragement to get involved in the Spanish culture
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Sevilla gets SCORCHING hot by the end of the program. That's all though!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Culture & Civilization
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Enrique Moreno Perez
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I learned more about the country of Spain and its culture and politics than I could have ever thought possible. Enrique was an amazing teacher and one I will certainly never forget.
Credit Transfer Issues: