Sevillana forever! Past Review

By (Biology, General., The University of Texas at Austin) for

CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained understanding and confidence in my Spanish-speaking skills. It has made me want to go back, and want to travel more and help as many people as I can.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading scale is 1-10 and no one is expected to ever be able to make a 9.5-10, which in the American system would be considered unfair.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A major weakness is that all of my classes were with Americans and we were COMPLETELY secluded at the Spanish university in ONE hall in a back building.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was super close to two metros (3 minute walks for both), so I could get anywhere quickly. I was treated as a daughter.

* Food:

Dine at home! It will save you money!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went to Morocco for 4 days (AMAZING!!) and were invited on free day-trips to Cadiz, Cordoba, Jerez, and a couple other cities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Toiletries are very expensive. And I don't know why we paid so much for school, etc. if our host families only got 18 euros a day.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced with my host mother. I had to use Spanish every single day. Most locals did not speak English.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans