Obsessed with Sevilla Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Trinity University) for

CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. It was the best thing I've ever done. I got to see so many new parts of the world and learn so much, and I got to do it all with some of the most amazing people.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Seville
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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was far from school and a lot of things (a 45 minute walk) but that was really my only complaint. My host mother was wonderful, I saved so much money from eating her awesome food and not having to buy anything, and I really felt at home there.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were lots of cool, free trips that I loved. We had different interest groups and got to take trips at the end to different cities and countries, which was a cool way to meet other people and see places we wouldn't have otherwise. They also arranged things like a Thanksgiving dinner and a goodbye party, which were really cool and well-done.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Seville was really safe. I had no problems walking home by myself late at night, even though I was really nervous about that at first.

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? My house didn't have internet (although most did), so I paid for monthly internet. It was pretty necessary, but I wish I had budgeted for that. Also, definitely have an emergency credit card or something - I got stuck in London for three days on my way back when I was almost completely out of money and had to charge a lot of things. It came in handy a couple times during the semester too.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

CIEE was all about language improvement. In the study center they have "police" to monitor whether we were speaking Spanish, they set us up with language partners from the local university, all of our orientation, classes, and trips were in Spanish, etc. Also, Seville isn't as English-friendly as other big Spanish cities, so we really had to speak Spanish when we were out and talking with other people.

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