Wonderful Experience Studying in Seville & Living with a Host Family! Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language, Literature, Berea College) - abroad from 01/28/2018 to 05/11/2018 with
API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Universidad de Sevilla
I was able to practice my Spanish much more, get to know more people, gain a more international outlook, understand people from other cultures. It was very worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were not as time-consuming as compared to my college in the U.S. Not much homework was assigned, rather grades were mostly dependent on mid-semester and final exams. I learned in my courses, even with these educational differences. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the API staff members in Seville were very helpful, friendly, and organized. They made sure I knew what was going on regarding classes, excursions, host families, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a Spanish host family, which was one of my favorite aspects of studying abroad. The family was welcoming and I loved living with them! |
| * Food: |
Incredible! My host family made absolutely delicious food! It really does depend on who your family/residencia is, though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt integrated with my host family. Having most of my classes with Americans made me not feel as integrated in the local culture and most of the friends I made were from the program. I would encourage future students to branch out more than I did to get to know more locals and immerse in the Spanish culture more fully. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not experience serious health issues, but I felt that API was prepared to help me were anything to come up. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very, very safe in Seville, even in the middle of the night. Nonetheless, it's always important to be cautious in certain parts of the city or when you are alone. |
| 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) |
Since housing and food was included, I did not end up needing to spend much each week, unless I wanted to go out, etc. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | *Eat at your residencia/with your host family when possible--you save money, get to know them, and taste how locals cook! *Book tickets and lodging for personal travel well in advance, before prices skyrocket. Use AirBnb, hostels, etc. to save money. On your trips, cook for yourself to save money. *WALK/BIKE where you need to go! Seville is easy to navigate by foot or bike. I used the Sevici bike share, which was fun and economical. You see more of the city by walking/biking, get exercise, and save money. *Go on as many excursions hosted by API as possible! They are super fun and you don't have to worry about paying lodging and transportation. The hotels you stay in are very, very nice! |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Spanish 315-Intro to Spanish Literature |
| 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? | Talk with your host family/residencia host and Spanish students! Watch Spanish TV and read newspapers/books in Spanish. Try to talk with other American students in Spanish as much as possible. |
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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* 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? | It can be difficult to fit classes with Spaniards into the schedule of classes for North American students. The times are different, so you have to work hard to make classes with Spaniards fit. Also, the maximum you can take is 2 classes with Spaniards. |
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! |
