Past Review

By (Accounting, SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY New Paltz: Seville - Study Abroad at Universidad de Sevilla

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I enjoyed being abroad immensely. I learned a lot about different cultures and how different people live in different regions of the world.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Seville
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The communication was completely lacking and some actions and decisions were questionable at best. We also had a trip planned for a Friday that we weren't made aware of until less than TWO days before. Most people had made alternate plans already. This was one of several times I felt cheated out of my money.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A 3 bedroom apartment with 4 other students. <br /><br /> The apartment was in a nice, safe area. However, the building was far from where all of the other students abroad were living.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $8,000 total on food and personal expenses in 3 and a half months. I stayed only in hostels while traveling, never hotels, but traveled often, just about every weekend including two five day trips, a ten day trip, and a 14 day trip, and was relatively free with my money though never wasteful.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Studying abroad is a great opportunity. Make sure you have an adequate amount of money saved up to travel where you want to. It is very disappointing to want to go somewhere and realize that you don't have the funds to.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? CEA offers everything that this program does plus more. Though I did enjoy my time spent abroad, I would not advise this program to anyone. If I had to do it all over I would choose CEA.