Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., New Mexico State University) for

Pablo de Olavide University: Seville - Multidisciplinary Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a knowledge of what I was really worth. I realized that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I was willing to work for it. Sky is the limit. All my experiences, good and bad, were completely worthwhile. The reason they were worthwhile is because studying abroad made me a stronger person who knows how to adapt.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Sevilla, Spain UPO
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed my experience at UPO in Sevilla, Spain. I learned various communication and cultural skills that I will carry with me as I finish my college education and move on to starting a career. I feel that the knowledge I gained at UPO has impacted my life positively.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Mentxu, who was the main person that I delt with while I was in Spain was AWESOME. She always had an answer to my questions and always was interested in helping everyone get things taken care of. The only negative thing I can say is maybe they counted on her to do too much and that more people should help her out so people can see just how talented she is at her job.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the city center, which was far away from the actual university but within walking distance of everything else that you needed.

* Food:

Give yourself time to adjust to the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Spain is a great place to experience and live :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

You could always ask the study abroad office where to go if you were sick and safety was not too much of an issue. You just have to be very aware of your surroundings.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You have to budget and manage your money very carefully. Realize that it is illegal to work in a country where you do not have a work visa and realize that the currency is higher. As long as you are smart with your money you will enjoy your stay.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

I feel as though I learned more about the grammer of the Spanish language than how to actually speak the language.

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Understand that you will not always be comfortable, but sometimes it is good to be uncomfortable because when you get outside your comfort zone you are able to see your true potential. Studying abroad is about pushing your limits and seeing what you are really made of.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Civilization and Culture

Course Department: 315
Instructor: Enrique Moreno
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Course was very helpful to take while being in Spain. It taught me several cultural differences that are benificial to know while studying abroad. The instructor was always positive and helpful. Very good class to take while in Sevilla.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International Marketing

Course Department: 311
Instructor: Nano
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learned so much in short period of time.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish

Course Department: 101-102
Instructor: Estrella Fernandez
Instruction Language: English/Spanish
Comments: Very intense. Every day of the week and material moves along quickly. You have to go to class and pay attention!
Credit Transfer Issues: