Sevilla and its people changed my life, and I will return. Past Review
By A student (Biology/Spanish/Pre-Med/Chem, University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/12/2015 with
UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE)
I have improved my Spanish speaking skills immensely, and am also comfortable speaking to people I don't know (in two languages!)
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with a Spanish-speaking señora is a sure way to improve your language skills. The señora that I lived with was like a mother to me, and I felt completely safe, welcome, and happy living with her. |
| * Food: |
My señora had the best cooking in Spain. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
At the end of the program I felt as though I was a part of Sevilla, and will always view it as my second home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues, but I do know that my program-mates' health issues were addressed quickly and efficiently. |
| * Safety: |
Sevilla is a large city with a small city feel. I would definitely recommend traveling the city with a buddy until you feel comfortable that you know the city well. As it is a very old city, many many street in the center are very small and turn at odd times. This does take a while to get accustomed to. |
| 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) |
As you señora cooks most of your meals it is very easy to save money. I did find myself spending money on drinks and taps with friends, shopping, and travel. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | under 100. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget for each month, as well as for each week. I found that in the beginning of the program (when I hadn't made a budget) I spent much much more money no things that were silly. After making a budget I spent my money more effectively and was able to travel more. When making a budget always make sure to over-budget (to give yourself a bit more money than needed) so that you have a cushion. As well, when making the budget make it in both US dollars and Euros, and make sure that the conversion is correct. |
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 |
In the school most of the staff are bilingual and will only speak to you in Spanish if you ask them. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate Spanish 2 |
| 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? | Many workers around Sevilla will hear your broken Spanish and try to speak to you in English (everyone wants to practice English) what I suggest is to speak back only in Spanish so they understand you want to practice. Sevillanos are very helpful and will spend a lot of time encouraging you and helping you find the right word you want! |
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? | I wish that I had budgeted before going abroad. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
