Summer in Sevilla: An Enriching Experience Past Review
By Danielle C (Special Education, Pennsylvania State University - University Park) for
CIEE: Seville - Summer Language and Culture
Of course! My experience was rewarding in the sense that I gained independence, I learned how to be resourceful, and I increased my communication skills.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I absolutely loved studying abroad. By far the best experience of my life! The workload, grading system, and the teaching methods were pretty fair; however, it is more difficult to earn an A. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program offered the students numerous opportunities to explore the city as well as nearby Spanish cities. Every trip was educational and enriching to my overall experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm situation did not enhance my language acquisition; however, living with the host family enhanced my language acquisition ten-fold. The constant Spanish interaction forced me to adjust to the language and become comfortable using it. The dorms, and my homestay, were centrally located to everything - it was great! Everyone treated me with respect and kindness |
| * Food: |
My homestay food was amazing! Every meal was homemade and delicious. Going out to eat, I recommend Cien Montaditos. Their food was cheap and they could be found all throughout Sevilla. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The field trips were extremely informative and educational. On every trip, CIEE invited intercambios along to practice our Spanish outside the classroom. I did not take advantage of the intercambio system until my last 3 weeks in Sevilla, and now I still talk with my intercambio back in the States! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe in Sevilla. I'm not a city person, but I absolutely felt comfortable walking around by myself. At night time, however, I made sure to have a friend with me because of the constant cat-calling. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced Spanish with everyone I interacted with: my friends, my host family, and CIEE advisers. The only time I spoke in English was when I did not know how to communicate/say something in Spanish. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't stay inside! Explore the city as much as possible and immerse yourself in Spanish life. You'll learn to appreciate another culture first-hand, as well as appreciate American life. Be confident, do things you normally wouldn't do, and have fun. Don't waste any time! Studying abroad was the best experience of my life, and it will be yours too. |
