Absolutely Worth It Past Review

By A student (Spanish (Hispanic Studies), The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 06/03/2014 with

CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts

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

It was definitely worthwhile. I learned to trust MYSELF and make decisions on my own. It was extremely challenging but very rewarding and I learned to see people for what they are -- people! Language-wise, I learned how to have a real conversation in Spanish.

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Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I loved that all classes were taught in Spanish.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* 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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	about 50 Euros per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	BUDGET your money and stick to it! Try not to eat out too much especially since a home-stay includes food.

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
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Intermediate
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?	Upper Division 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?	DO NOT STICK WITH YOUR AMERICAN FRIENDS. Make a few friends from your program because they are able to understand and relate to struggles you may be having, but if you are trying to become fluent in the language, make Spanish friends and challenge yourself.

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	Local Students 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?	How organized it was {lots of included trips!} The professors SEVILLA
* What could be improved?	More activities with Spaniards Smaller program size Orientation was too much in too short of a time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That Spaniards are actually really nice and not so intimidating once you actually talk with them -- I ended up making all of my Spanish friends at the END of the program when I started feeling more comfortable around them. They want to get to know you too! Take the first step and be bold and you will make lasting friendships.

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!

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