CCCS Sevilla: The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me. Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Austin College) for

SSA Education Abroad: Seville - Semester, Year or Summer in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many new understandings and feel like I improved myself as a person immensely. My communication skills are so much better because of the foreign language aspect of my experience and I am much more willing to try new things and test my boundaries. Going abroad has made me so curious about the rest of the world and has definitely changed my plans for the future. I plan to do as much traveling as possible now.

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 it was a great program for learning useful things about the spanish language that I could actually use outside of the classroom. The professors all cared and wanted us to learn about the culture and language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was very helpful and usually timely about helping us and getting things done.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Food wasnt very good and didnt vary much. Other than that the neighborhood was safe and it was very close to everything I ever needed.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? Don't spend a lot of money when you first get there you will want it later. When you travel take transportation expenses into account.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Didn't take any spanish courses in college.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced the language with my host family, my peers and professors. I used spanish every single day in most everyday interactions. Only the americans students in our program spoke english.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dont take a single second of your time abroad for granted because you will never be in that place with those people in that moment again. Studying abroad is one of the most amazing things you will ever do in your life so experience all you can from it.