A Great Experience! Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/20/2012 with

William and Mary: Seville - William and Mary in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I learned that I could handle myself in a foreign country, as well as a country where I didn't speak the language and where my flights home has been cancelled.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt that issues were addressed to the best of their abilities (the programs, the healthcare system of Spain, etc). I never got sick but others did and our program directors were very good in taking them to the hospital right away.

* Safety:

My roommate was stabbed her first weekend in the park, but it was an isolated incident that could have happened anywhere, ESPECIALLY in America

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out so often, try not to drink much in the clubs

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? HISP 206
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
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?
  • The day and weekend trips included
* What could be improved?
  • The responsiveness of the staff and directors
  • The quality of the teaching
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to pack as many clothes, save money for buying things, not food.