Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SMU in Sevilla Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University) - abroad from 05/24/2015 to 06/28/2015 with

GlobalEd: Seville - Summer Internship Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained incredible exposure to the language, culture, and my field of study. After just a few days in Seville I was more confident in my language skills and was able to practice and use the skills I learned in a classroom setting. My Spanish is much improved and I met so many incredible people. It was an experience that everyone should take if given the opportunity.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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)

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The culture and lifestyle
  • The students, instructors, directors and local friends I made
  • The excursions and sites that allowed us to visit different areas that we would not have experienced on our own
* What could be improved?
  • Scheduling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Its okay to not know what you are doing or to do things outside of your comfort zone. Everyone that I interacted with was patient and understanding and honestly just wanted me to learn and enjoy the experience. Making mistakes and things not going according to plan are part living somewhere new!

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!