A Semester full of Adventure Past Review
By Amanda S (International Relations and Affairs, Saint Anselm College) - abroad from 01/25/2014 to 05/01/2015 with
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
I learned a lot about different cultures, food and history. I also became much better at speaking Spanish. Studying abroad helped me gain independence and taught me to manage my money. It was SO worthwhile!
Review Photos
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. |
The University of Sevilla and ISA offered a variety of interesting classes, both in Spanish and English! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA Staff was always available in their offices to give advice or help you with a problem. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with a host family and they were excellent!!! |
| * Food: |
My host Mom cooked delicious, authentic food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to meet Spanish and American friends while studying abroad. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the hospital for a bad stomach bug while I was abroad. It was in the middle of the night so my host Mom went with me to help. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe in Sevilla most of the time, but I would suggest taking a cab or walking home in a group late at night. |
| 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) |
I was easily able to live on a student's budget in Sevilla, including traveling! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is important to plan out your budget while abroad. Taking the time to search for deals on flights and hostels is really important when trying to save money. Also, avoiding tourist traps is a good idea for finding authentic and decently priced food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
My program helped me to connect with a Spanish student my age who I was able to practice speaking in Spanish with. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Advanced |
| 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? | Taking the time to practice with locals or your host family is really helpful! The first few weeks may seem stressful but the more you use and listen to the language, the easier the transition will be! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that the program was not long enough for me to stay in Spain for Feria (a week long celebration that is famous in Sevilla). I wish I could have stayed longer than 3.5 months, maybe 4-5 months! I felt like I needed more time there. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
