Sevilla the great city on the river Past Review
By Stephen W (History, Shippensburg University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
I gained insight and a different view of the world and of the United States. I learned a lot about myself and the world I live in. It was the biggest thing I've done in my life so far and it changed my life and has had the biggest impact on me. I want to go back with friends from home and see my Spanish friends and host family.
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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 teaching style abroad is very different than in the United States. Class is much more relaxed and there are not as many out of class assignments. As long as you do whats required and show up to class you should be good. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All staff as the ISA office were very chill. Always there to help and give insight on things to do, places to go, and anything else you need. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a family is the best way to practice your language skills and I think the best choice in living. I had all the freedom I wanted and was able to come and go as I pleased. My host Mom cooked really good food and was very nice. I lived in Triana and it was central to the university and I walked everywhere. I did not need to buy anything since the host family I lived with had everything for me. |
| * Food: |
The food was very good. There was only 2 times that she ever made a food that I didn't like and I told her in a nice way and she did not make that for me the rest of my stay. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of the trips planned by ISA were pretty boss. Portugal,Cordoba, and Granada were my favorite. I liked the fact that they gave us so much free time to go and see and do whatever we wanted while they also had guided tours set up for us. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No healthcare problems though the ISA office was willing to go to the doctors office with us if we needed to go. I think Sevilla is a very safe city. I was never scared to walk alone at night or anytime. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with my host family and in class. I spoke Spanish daily. Yes majority of the people spoke English but they would speak Spanish if you would. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Save as much money as you can because you are going to want to see and do everything. There was always something to do and never a dull moment. Strike up conversations with any and everyone, especially the locals. Try all the different food and drinks and if your not open minded before you go you will be when you return. I would say this program would be good for students who are independent and do well in new situations. |
