Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Magical Experience in Sevilla, Spain Past Review

By (International Affairs, University of Northern Colorado) - abroad from 05/22/2013 to 06/29/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from studying in Sevilla. I gained knowledge about Sevilla's history and culture and about modern life and I gained new perspective on the world. My mind opened up so much more after I studied abroad. Personally, the experience left me with more confidence in my language abilities, my navigational abilities, and my ability to live and thrive on my own in a completely different place. It is an experience I will never forget and I think all students should study abroad.

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA on-site staff were knowledge, helpful, and fun. At least one person was available at all times to answer any kind of questions-from how to book train or plane tickets to upcoming soccer matches. I enjoyed getting to know them!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was so flexible and nice. She made the best meals and told me and my roommate about the best gelato places and bars. She even went out with us one night!

* Food:

I am a very picky eater, but I had decided to try everything that came my way on this trip. I was not disappointed; in fact, I was extremely glad I did this, because the local food was amazing! Paella, tortilla española, and croquetas were new things I tried that I instantly fell in love with.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard not to be integrated into the culture if you live with a host mother and walk to and from school everyday. The only part I was not integrated into (by personal preference) was the night life. I went out a couple times to get the experience and am glad I did so, but night life is not my cup of tea usually.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe walking to and from class. Walking at night was not bad, either. People were very nice when I stopped them to ask directions.

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)

I lived on $100/week, which was spent on gelato, tours and experiences like going to Las Setas, and buying little snacks or getting something for breakfast.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 300-level
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? I did not use my Spanish as much as I wanted to, but that was my fault. For future students I would say to try and make friends outside the program. This means going to different places (the locals know which places only tourists and Americans go to) to get to know a variety of people.

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?
  • I loved going on excursions to different cities.
  • The on-site support was amazing!
  • I loved that we got tours in every city we went to, but we also had time to explore them on our own.
* What could be improved?
  • I think the Spanish civilization and culture class could have been a bit more detailed about Sevilla's history.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had gone out more on my own to experience things. I also isn I had made more friends with locals.