Three Months in Spain Not Nearly Enough Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

I had higher expectations for myself in the level of fluency when I returned home. To be fair, I did become fluent, but not to the extent that I wanted. My host mother and another host mother were very helpful in my language and homework from school, if I needed it. I learned the most from them. My academic schedule was very easy to accomadate; in fact was more agreeable than any I've had at my college in the States.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were very few dishes that I had that my host family made which I did not like. For the most part, I knew before arriving from friends who had stayed there in the past, that the food my host family would cook would be some of the best food I will ever eat and this was very much true. While the food may have been richer than what I'm used to, I have still tried to replicate my host mother's recipes and failed. I rarely dined out, although if there were places I would recommend it would be to make sure to go out for tapas or appetizers.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I attended many flamenco shows, which were beautiful. I also traveled to many of the sites around Sevilla, such as Plaza Espana and Plaza America. One of the biggest things that I loved about Sevilla was the fact that even though I have never liked cities, that I fell in love with it; it was clean and beautiful. Where you would have concrete sidewalks and iron benches in a city in the U.S., Sevilla had beautiful ceramic benches and mosaic tiles on the ground. There were beautiful ceramics in the gardens. I also traveled to other cities around Spain including Ronda, Cadiz, Granada and Cordoba. Ronda was a place for me that I could sit in and feel at home. The views were breathtaking.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There were no health issues. I felt safer in this foriegn city then I would in any city at home.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced my language mostly with my host family and people on the street (directions, restaurants, stores, vendors etc). It was used everyday. Many people spoke English on the streets and when they looked at you, they would know you were an American so often they would immediately talk to you in English so they oculd practice and wouldn't let you speak English. At home, my host mother only spoke Spanish.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family