This experience changed the way that I see myself and my complete outlook on life. Past Review

By (Economics, University of Massachusetts Amherst) for

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I know a lot more about the Spanish culture now and I feel a lot more prepared to travel there on my own time. I feel a lot more prepared to work abroad and I am now officialy set in pursuing international business.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt like a lot of the school work was just "busy work" that was simply given to us in order to keep us occupied. Being that the university in Spain had the assumption that American schools are very serious, many of the teachers would not spend a lot of time teaching the subject in class, yet we were expected to memorize everything for the exams. I wasn't fond of this type of system and I do believe that there was a slight lack of organization.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not find most of the on-site administrators to be very helpful. It seemed like most of them were so caught up with trying to be the sudents friends that they forgot about being profssional and having organization. I felt misinformed about a lot of the information that was given in regards to the excursions and the classes. They also didn't notif us about a lot of things until the last minute and it was difficult to remember when we had meetings. Also, we had an optional excursion to Morocco and I felt like the administrators did not give us adequate information about what to expect. Many people became sick due to the contaminated water and food. They also failed to tell us that we would be spending so much time on a bus.I felt cheated in a way because I believe that they should have been more prepared and they should have told us the truth abou what to expect.Most of the administrators had little to no knowledge about American higher education. It seemed like most of them were only concerned with the affairs of their own country. The program size was fairly small, which can be both positive and negative depending upon the circumstance. My expectations were NOT met and I believe that there was a lack of organization and professionalisim.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My neighborhood was safe and I never felt unsafe anywhere in the city that I stayed in. Since I stayed with a host family, nothing was needed in terms of bedding, toiletries, and food. However, being that some of the food wasn't exactly my type and the host mother did no give us a lot of options. I often found myself buying snacks and food to keep my hunger satisfied.

* Food:

Many students told me that their host families did not give them a lot of options in terms of food and many families barely kept a lot of food in the house, most likely because they prefer to spend their money on other things but I found this to not make sense. Every student needs an adequate amount of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Flamenco dance shows were quite fun, most of the excursions were very interesting but I do believe that a little more organization was needed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

As someone who has ventured through many large cities in the USA, seville was one of the safest places I've ever been.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

My host family knew no english so it was mandatory that I spoke Spanish with them and when I fist arrived, it was quite difficult. I do wish that the program would have informed me about my family ONLY speaking spanish. I would have been a lot more prepared if tey told me. Yes, I needed to use the language everyday in order to interact with the people in this city. English was NOT common in Seville at all. From time to time you might find a few people who are bilingual but it was rare. My spanish teacher also knew very little english and everyone had to communicate with her in Spanish, which is a great way to learn but it got a little difficult and confusing at times.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Make an effort to get to know the people in the country. Don't waste too much time with your fellow Americans, you can do that back home. Try to avoid walking in big crowds of Americans. Show respect people by using the correct verb tenses (Usted) when addressing them.