Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Time in Spain Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/17/2012 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Spain was amazing, I loved learning about the culture and history! I had a wonderful semester.

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? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75-125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out! Especially if food comes included in your program. I know it's tempting, but it's better in the long run. Also, ask museums and tourist attractions if they have student discounts, usually they do and it doesn't hurt to ask.

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? Spanish 201
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? Try to speak as much as you can! It's intimidating, but worth it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions
  • My roommate
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • On-site support
  • University facilities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had researched over programs that went to Spain, because while I loved Spain, I think there were better programs that went to Seville.