Live Changing in Spain Past Review

By (Bryant University) - abroad from 08/29/2011 to 12/16/2011 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much! I learned how to live abroad on my own and the cultural differences. This was pretty much the greatest experience of my life!

Review Photos

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

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great after we switched housing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

The exchange rate could have been better. Luckily I had an internship which paid well over the summer.

* 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? $333.00 including several trips
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save over the summer.

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? Advanced
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? Practice in the US before you go. Also, do not be afraid to make mistakes..keep working at it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 interaction with the providers.
  • Freedom to allow us to travel and experience Europe on our own.
  • The trips that are provided.
* What could be improved?
  • Make the hotels not so far away during the trips.
  • Monitor the host families better (our first one was awful).
  • More cultural excursions.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How great this program truly is and how helpful they are in preparing you for Spain.