Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenges and fun adventures taught me about myself and the Spanish culture. Past Review

By (Nursing., University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/31/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Seville, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what I value and what is most important to me. It was definitely worthwhile, the experience had its challenges but I know that I endured and was able to get through them learning and having fun along the way.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and kind!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good location and very kind host, however, I wish it would have been a little more interactive.

* Food:

My host mom was an amazing cook!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any issues.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* 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? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set yourself a budget and keep track what you are spending and on what.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 304
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being able to travel around Europe.
  • The staff at CEA.
* What could be improved?
  • The trips that CEA took us on were often rushed and we didn't have enough time.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I had needed to get in contact with an amity on my own right away at the start because it would have helped my Spanish improve much more had I met with an amity at the beginning of my program.