Past Review

By (Non-degree, New Mexico State University) for

CLIC / Centro de Lenguas e Intercambio Cultural: Sevilla - Direct Enrollment in Spanish Language Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was all very good. I learned so much about the people and the culture of Spain, and my language skills improved dramatically in a short time. I started at a very low level and advanced to intermediate while in country, but I think I might have learned more if the assessment part of the course was more structured and formal. I felt it catered a bit to younger students who wanted more socializing and less study after class, whereas I was there only to learn the language and the social aspect was secondary. Very good experience for a younger student, but I would prefer a more formal setting.

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 experience was very positive, but it lacked structure, which is important to me and my learning style. There was little to no formal assessment so it was difficult to measure progress.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was generally satisfied with the host program country administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was wonderful. I would have learned more if I had not also been teaching English to the host family. In the future, I would not combine the teaching with a total immersion program at that skill level. IT would be better for a more advanced speaker of the foreign language.

* Food:

The food was adequate, but I am nearly a vegetarian and it can be hard to find good food without meat in this country.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family was a very good experience. I became part of the family and was completely immersed in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt quite safe and comfortable throughout.

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? I didn't have any unanticipated expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

The program was total immersion, so no English was spoken in class.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared. Study before you go and know what you want from the program. Be sure any special dietary needs are prearranged.