Challenging Past Review

By (International Business., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/19/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

CIEE: Seville - Business + Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile! This whole experience got me out of my comfort zone and helped me to improve my Spanish language skills.

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 courses were difficult, but my Spanish improved a lot!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall, CIEE is pretty organized. However, they really need to accept feedback from the students about the quality of the professors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was the best experience of the program. I had the best host family and we still keep in touch!

* Food:

Too many carbs and fried foods, but hey, it's a different culture! Food is just part of the experience!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt much more integrated towards the middle and end part of the program than the beginning. It takes time to adjust!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really have any health issues while I was abroad, so this question does not apply to me.

* Safety:

I did feel very safe in Seville! If you are aware of your surroundings, you will be fine!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* 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? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money so you can make weekend trips to other places around Europe!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Advanced Spanish
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? Live with a host family and interact with them a lot! Also, join organizations with Spanish speaking students.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Spanish friends
  • Traveling around Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Professors
  • Transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the business professors were going to be unorganized and not very enthusiastic.

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!