Past Review

By (Government and Journalism, The University of Texas at Austin) for

CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the best decision I have ever made.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad de Pablo Olivide
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was very disappointed with two of my five professors. The other three were great though!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program was organzied fantastically. They provided ample support and were always available to give advice. My program director, Alayna, was particularly fantastic!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My senora was all that I could have asked for an more. She was an amazing cook and was always interested in what I was doing and if I was having a good time. She was extremely patient with my Spanish and always tried to help. She really made my experience. <br /><br /> Loved it!

* Food:

She was an AMAZING cook!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program organized great field trips that really allowed us to see and learn a lot about Spain and Andalucian culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Pickpocketing in Spain is obvioulsy worse than in America, but the one time I had a problem with it (my purse was stolen) was because I was not paying attention. My university handled it wonderfully and my travel insurance that I got through my program should cover the lost items

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Most of the money I spent was on traveling... so I don't regret a dollar of it!

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Considering how terrible I was at Spanish before I got to Spain, my language skills improved A LOT. I should have taken better advantage of the intercambio opportunities to interact and speak with Spaniards more and tried to use Spanish with my friends more than English.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? be open to everything. do everything. experience everything.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Union

Course Department:
Instructor: Johathan Pass
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Jonathan was absolutely fantastic. I learned more in this class than all my other classes combined. He was a great lecturer who kept all of his students interested and listening. His expectations were clear and his information was well-organized and easy to follow. I HIGHLY recommend him and the course!!!
Credit Transfer Issues: