Seville: Everyone needs to study abroad! Past Review
By Brittney B (Journalism., Indiana University - Bloomington) for
SUNY New Paltz: Seville - Study Abroad at Universidad de Sevilla
If I could do it 100 more times I would! I think it is extremely important for everyone to study abroad. Even if you aren't studying any type of international affairs, it is important to become more culturally aware. There is a bigger world out there than the U.S.! I have met amazing people, heard awesome stories, and have seen things that textbooks and pictures that won't ever come close to doing justice to. I have always known that I would love Europe and love traveling, but after my study abroad experience I can't see myself doing anything else! After I graduate I plan to either join the Peace Corps. or go back to Seville to teach english.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience is very different than in the U.S. There workload is less than at home, but just enough to help your grade and keep you a little busy. The grading system is a little different. It's more lenient but what the most culture shocking aspect of it is that some professors will publicly announce exam grades and final grades during class. Overall, I loved my professors and they are all very interested in getting to know their students. Its more of a friendly environment than anything. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site admin was amazing! Both directors took the time to make sure we adjusted to the culture and were safe. They both gave us the information that we needed to feel comfortable living on our own in a new country. The program was the perfect size and immediately we were like one big family. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was in the perfect location; right next to the metro station, a quick walk to the stadium, grocery store, campus, and everything else we needed! Living with girls from my program had its ups and downs. I would've spoken spanish more in a host family, but having to cook, clean, and live on our own was an experience in it's own. I don't regret a thing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Orientation was the best! During orientation we saw Granada, Cordoba, and Marbella. We went on tours and learned so much about Spain's culture and history that I wouldn't have learned on my own. Orientation was a nice way to ease ourselves into a totally new place. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We were able to practice spanish with our program directors during our 5 day orientation, tuesday night program classes, office hours or friendly conversations. They also encouraged us to utilize inter-cambios which was very helpful. Other than students, not many people in Seville speak english so I found myself using spanish everyday. At first adjusting to the language was a little difficult because of the speed that people speak, accent, and expressions that we aren't used to from classes in the U.S. But after about 2 weeks you get the hang of it and really start to learn. I loved it. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Seville is a very unique place. It is the perfect sized city: big enough that there is always something fun and different going on, but small enough that you feel at home. It is an amazingly beautiful city, with beautiful people, and a beautiful story. |
