most incredible, rewarding, & life-changing experience I've ever been a part of Past Review
By Nicole M (Marketing., Providence College) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 05/17/2013 with
CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture
Not only did I further my knowledge of the Spanish language, I completely stepped out of my comfort zone and got the chance to interact with the most amazing, interesting people I've ever met. I truly had the chance to be a part of the Spanish culture and that's not something everyone can say. I got to see some of the most incredible cities all over Europe. Most importantly, I learned a lot about myself and what is important in life. This experience completely changed me and opened my eyes. To say that it was worthwhile is a complete understatement.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I would strongly recommend living in a homestay. I had the absolute best experience living with a Spanish family. It helped me immensely with my language skills. I got so close with my family, they extended their welcome to whenever I want to come back to Sevilla |
| * Food: |
I like the idea of Tapas (sharing small portion sizes with everyone at the table) but some of the food was a little too fried for me. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Sevilla is such an authentic Spanish city, it was one of my favorite things about the experience. Your social and cultural integration is really up to you, you have to get out and interact with local peoples if you want the full experience, but in a city like Sevilla, you get the true Spanish culture-feel no matter what. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never really had an experience with healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
Sevilla is one of the safest cities I had traveled to in Europe. I never felt threatened or nervous, even walking home late at night. I didn't walk around the streets holding my bag for dear life. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work as much as you can prior to your trip so that you can enjoy it to the fullest. Remember that you will be there for a few months, so it's not necessary to go crazy every day. However, on the flip side, if you are able, don't hold back on once-in-a-lifetime things because of money. |
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? | Advanced |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That some of my classes may not transfer |
