Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Seville: The Best Place to Be Past Review

By (University of Memphis) - abroad from 01/18/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Seville, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and increased my confidence in myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had classes split between CEA and a local university(Universidad de Pablo Olavide). My class at UPO was more on the level if not above what I was used to back at my home university. My classes at CEA had varying levels of intensity.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was super sweet and very accommodating. She felt like my second mom away from home.

* Food:

The food is different and I liked it overall, but there were sometimes where I missed American food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made Spanish friends which helped me integrate myself more than some of the people in the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare system was fine. I got injured the first week and had to go to the hospital. There was a translator there as soon as I arrived and made sure all my things were filled out correctly and translated the whole appointments. The pharmacy was also helpful with minor allergies or colds.

* Safety:

I always felt safe walking around Seville no matter what time of day it was.

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)

I had money saved up and scholarship money which helped with extra costs. However, if you don't have money saved up it may be more difficult to do all the things you'll want to do in Europe.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money on experiences not things!

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? Conversation and Composition of the Spanish Language.
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to music, watch your favorite show, switch your phone language to Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 culture of Seville
  • Friends that I made
  • Using my language skills
* What could be improved?
  • Spanish language learning classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay to make mistakes when navigating a new culture and using a language different from your own.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'