Study Abroad in Sevilla! Past Review

By (Organizational Studies, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) for

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the Spanish culture, made tons of new friends and family. I am more understanding of new cultures and open to different ways of life.

Personal Information

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.

The workload at ISA was appropriate for a study abroad program. I didn't have daily homework but the exams were challenging and the coursework/content was meaningful. I defintely learned a lot from my teachers and classes. I was able to travel freely but learn at the same time so it was the best of both worlds.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were fantastic. They always were there to answer my questions or concerns. They really cared to make sure students were enjoying themselves and getting the most out of their experience. Many students became very close with the directors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely LOVED my host family!! They were incredible! They were extremely accommodating to my eating preferences and only wanted to teach me about their culture. My American roommate, on the other hand, was miserable. She had a difficult time adjusting to Spain and didn't have very many friends. My neighborhood was completely safe and I walked everywhere. I lived in Nervion and was about a 35 minute walk from school and the center of town. There was great night life close by too and many of my friends lived near so we often stayed closer to home- but still had a great time! I didn't bring anything to my host family- I used everything from their shampoo to sheets. I was treated like a member of the family and was often brought on trips and taken to basketball games with them.

* Food:

I dont eat ham and they were extremely accommodating. They use A LOT of olive oil though which was kind of frustrating. Make sure you ask your family for a variety of foods. Try new things! It's a once in a life time experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

everything we did with the program was great. We stayed in REALLY NICE hotels and were often taken to the important tourist attractions. My favorite trip was probably Lisbon and Granada. I enjoyed Cordoba and Rhonda as well. The bull fight was something that I did with my friends in Sevilla and I really recommend it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had a problem with safety but a few people were mugged. Just be smart with your things and NEVER walk alone.

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
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced my language with everyone! My host family, my roommate, my friends, my teachesr, the study abroad program itself- I even spoke spanish with random locals that I met in coffee shops! I used Spanish and English every day. English was only used at school and with my friends. Otherwise, I was speaking and thinking in Spanish all the time.

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
* 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? To benefit you need to be able to take risks. You need to want to go and learn more about the culture, practice Spanish, and try new things. I advise anyone to explore as much as they can while abroad and take all in because this is truly a once and a lifetime experience.