Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sevilla, Mi Casa para Siempre Past Review

By (politics and international studies, Fairfield University) for

API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Universidad Pablo de Olavide

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad in Sevilla enabled me to explore Western Europe and Northern Africa. I was exposed to a different way of living and a new pace of life. Each day was so unique and exciting. I improved my Spanish and cultural awareness.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload at UPO is fair for studying abroad. There are regular assignments, midterms and finals. Nothing students can't handle. I was still able to travel on the weekends. Much less reading than American universities, but attending class was essential. The class sizes at UPO are small with American students, so the professors really stress participation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

API planned great trips to Paris and Granada, and day trips around Andalucia. The staff was very friendly. Even planned a Thanksgiving dinner for us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host-mom. She welcomed me into her home and made me feel like family the moment I entered the apartment. It was a short walk to the metro that I took to school and very close to the center of the city. It was in the perfect neighborhood. My host mom took my roommate and I to family picnics and celebrated our birthdays.

* Food:

Always well fed. Very different than the American food I am used to and a different schedule of eating very late. But I adjusted very quickly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Feria de naciones. Our program took us to Paris and Granada. I was able to visit Madrid, Barcelona, Cordoba, and Cadiz as well. There is always something going on in the city. API took us to the movies and to see the orchestra as well. Flamenco in Granada tambien!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe city. Sometime pick pocketers, which is typical of Europe.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced Spanish mostly with my host-mom who did not speak any English. Not many Spaniards in Sevilla speak English. Young students in college have been studying English and speak very well, but do not like to speak English. It was important to speak everyday, especially when shopping and ordering food.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The trips to other cities and countries.
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation with API students at the two universities.
  • A Social to meet local students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sevilla is an amazing city. It is the perfect size and great location. The warm weather makes for long days, and the city is always alive! It is full of culture and wonderful people. I wish I had never left!