Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Universidad de Sevilla

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being independent and being able to communicate to people in another language. I came to realize what my dislikes and likes were, I pushed my comfort zone to be able to interact with other people in the community and live to fullest while there

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Awesome staff in Sevilla

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good host family and other students

* Food:

Food was average, wasn't anything special but overall food in Sevilla was really good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I volunteered at a school to teach english and participated in the intercambios.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Very inclusive and fun program to go through. They provided a lot of excursions throughout the semester and the people who did the program were very friendly.

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)

in between $150-200 a week depending on travels as well

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eat out only once or twice a week to limit food spending.

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? Highschool Spanish (Level 5)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make spanish friends, get a host family, listen to music and tv in spanish.

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
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?
  • Location
  • Excursions
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Inclusion with international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Trips and food add up quicker in expenses than you think.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.