Sevilla for a Semester Past Review

By Liliana Walsh (Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Yes, it was 100% worthwhile. I learned to accept change, live with a plan and without a plan, and to appreciate things that are new to me. I gained language skills and a confidence that I have not had before.

Personal Information

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 classes were fairly easy if you put in a little bit of effort, but even though sometimes going to class seems like a waste of time, still go.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I had to switch host families due to a family medical issue in the first house, but before that the family was awesome. Moving was stressful, but the second family was just as good and everyone was super helpful during the change.
* Food:	Good, healthy food, but expect a lot of ham.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	There was not enough integration into the culture with other Spaniards my age.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Amazing. I had an ear infection and I was able to see a doctor when I wanted to. There was a translator who was incredibly helpful. The insurance refunded me within 2 weeks of the appointment.
* Safety:	Even walking home at night I felt extremely safe.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No I would want to do a direct enroll, just see if that would help me make friends other than Americans.

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 was included. I spent all my money on weekend trips. If you plan to travel, your money will go fast, but I think it’s worth it!
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Start saving early! You might think you have enough money, but you probably don’t.

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	Only spoke Spanish in 3/4 of my classes and with my host mom, but spoke English with my American friends and roommates.
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?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	College 3000 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?	Get involved with other Spaniards. I did not and that is one of my regrets. I tutored someone in English, but I wish I would have gone to a “tutor” for Spanish.

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 Host Family
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Host Family Excursions Cost
* What could be improved?	Cultural Activities More time with Spaniards Integrate Americans and Spaniards in to the same classrooms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I would have made an effort to meet locals or find a local hobby.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Ecology
Course Department:
Instructor:	Maria
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Boring class. A lot of extra credit, but I did not like the way she taught.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Advanced Spanish Conversation
Course Department:
Instructor:	Clara
Instruction Language:
Comments:	My favorite class and the one I learned the most in. Everyday we learned useful ways of communicating in the real world. Not hard.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Spanish Culture and Civilization
Course Department:
Instructor:	Mario
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Okay. It was not hard, but the content was boring.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Tapas
Course Department:
Instructor:	Javi
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Fun class, but don’t expect an A because the final was graded harshly. Overall a useful class and would recommend.
Credit Transfer Issues: