Sevilla, España: The Best Experience of My Life. Past Review
By Taylor G (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
Studying in Spain for six weeks was really more like a teaser for me. I realized that I wish I would have done a semester, because I was by no means ready to leave at all. My language skills improved exponentially as well as my cultural awareness. I broke out of my shell and met some of my best friends all within a matter of six weeks. It made me want to live abroad for a while in the near future.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Advanced Spanish, International Relations |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt that the workload and grading system was appropriate for a study abroad program. The teaching methods were very similar and I enjoyed them. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were great! My experience completely exceeded my expectations. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved the location and safety of my apartment. It was about a 20 minute walk from class and very close to the nightlife scene. We did not need to buy any items besides food and toilet paper. |
| * Food: |
We had to cook it all ourselves, which got pretty old. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Best times of my life. The excursions were incredible, and the nightlife was great. |
|
* 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 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice with the locals, my professors, and fellow students. I definitely needed a basic knowledge of Spanish for everyday interactions. Many people spoke English, but appreciated if you tried to speak Spanish. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I believe that study abroad is great for anyone. You easily meet people that you mesh with because many programs are pretty large. It was by far the best experience of my life and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I literally think about my time abroad every day and wish I could go back in time and relive it! |
