I would not trade my time in Sevilla for anything! Past Review

By Susan S (Communication and Media 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?

My experience was amazing. I am so glad I chose Sevilla, UPO, and Rosa's residencia. I am a changed person from this experience. It has made me a better person, and I have learned so much. It has made me realize that I would like to travel more in the future and live in Spain if possible.

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.	UPO did a great job getting international students involved. The teachers were all very nice, regardless of whether the class was in english or in spanish. The grading system was confusing when it came time to transfer grades to my home university. I highly recommend UPO.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Dealing with API was alot easier than dealing with my home university. They were helpful before I went to Spain, and while I was there. Marta, Pilar, and Luis were all very helpful if I needed anything. The trips we went on were amazing! I am glad it was a relatively small program, because if we needed anything the leaders and interns were always there to help.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in Rosa Saenz's residencia. It was an ideal situation. Rosa and Norberto were great host parents, even though there were 12 American students. They cared for us like real parents and I got to know them very well. I highly recommend living in this residencia!!!
* Food:	The food was great! It takes some getting used to, but Rosa and Norberto were great cooks and took our feedback into account.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	All of the programs arranged by API were amazing. It was great to see other cities in Spain as well as Morocco as a group, because it took the stress out of planning a trip on my own. It seems like we had the best trips compared to other programs.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt safe almost 100% of the time in Sevilla. It is a safe city, but you still have to be aware of your surroundings and stay on your toes. I never had a situation where I needed to see a doctor luckily, but when I was sick at home, Rosa and Norberto took good care of me. From what I hear, the health care system is very different than 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
Language acquisition improvement?	Most people spoke spanish, which was very helpful in improving my language skills. There was an intercambio program that was really fun and was useful in making Spanish friends. I spoke Spanish almost everywhere I went, and to my host parents.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?