A trying experience with absolutely no regrets Past Review
By Jane R (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/18/2012 with
Pablo de Olavide University: Seville - Multidisciplinary Studies Program
Definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot about traveling.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Pablo de Olavide |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Some of the classes were really valuable and others were a bit of a waste of time. I liked all of my professors, but coming from a very rigorous academic university in the States, I didn't really feel challenged much. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I went through a program called MundoLengua where everyone was SUPER friendly, SUPER available to help out, and SUPER knowledgeable of your needs. The administrators at UPO were great and always very helpful, as well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Awesome host family. Great experience to be living in a real Spanish home! |
| * Food: |
Most provided by host family...very yummy! Food eating out in Sevilla is fairly cheap and really delicious. I missed salad, though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like a real part of the city. I wish I had met more Spanish young people though. It was hard to make Spanish friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health problems, but other friends of mine went to the doctor and even the hospital at times and got the help they needed. |
| * Safety: |
I felt no qualms about walking home alone at night at 3:00am. If you are aware of your surroundings and look confident, Sevilla is 100% safe. |
| 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) |
I chose to spend savings and my own money so that I could fully enjoy the experience. Had I wanted to, I could have lived for cheaper. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70-$80 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat all meals at your home stay and stay in your host-city on the weekends. TRAVEL IS EXPENSIVE. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I took all my classes in Spanish and our professors always encouraged them to speak to us in Spanish as well! They were patient and encouraging. |
| 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? | Hispanic Studies 399 |
| 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? | Talk to your host parents. Go to places where you are the only American. I took dance classes at a Spanish studio so I was forced to use only Spanish in those situations. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That Universidad Pablo de Olavide has a HIDEOUS campus. |
