Sevilla: So different but so enlightening Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very reasonable, they have great professors there that are willing to teach in a more American style so that we can better learn. My only negative comment was the lack of courses offered in Spanish - there were very few other then language classes.

On-site administration of your program

The entire API office especially Marta and Pilar were there whenever you needed whether it was to answer a question or to give advice. My biggest complaint was how large the program was with over 300 Americans studying at Pablo and about 75 in our program alone, I found myself surrounded by Americans instead of Spaniards which was one reason I went to Seville instead of Madrid.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in an amazing area right near the center of Seville! I had pretty easy access to everything as we were right on the metro line and I had no safety concerns at all. My senora provided sheets, towels, and even got wireless internet for us which was so awesome to have. They were extremely friendly and welcoming although sometimes the cultural differences were a bit trying but since I had another American in the same home with me, it wasn't so bad.

My senora was really great about cooking things she knew we could eat and wasn't offended that we didn't like certain dishes (wish we tried to eat anyways). For example, neither of us ate seafood or fish and she was extremely accommodating! Plenty of great restaurants to try and there are even some American chains for when you get home sick!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I LOVED all the different excursions API offered. They took us to places I would've gone to anyways and also places I wouldn't have though to visit! My favorite trips were Morocco and Granada. I also appreciated that they took us to la Catedral y el Alcazar, not to mention the bike tour, around Seville itself so that we could get to know the city better. I wish they would've done more tours around Seville like that.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My host family only spoke Spanish so that was a really great way for me to improve. The university also gave me the opportunity to tutor Spanish children in English which helped my Spanish improve as well. However, they didn't have a very good way to meet peers our own age.

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