Sevilla: My Favorite European City (hands-down) Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload compared to Berkeley was very light and straightforward, grading was fair and teachers overall were attentive, enthusiastic and helpful. Finals and tests were a little more elaborate and tough than expected, but completely doable if you study sufficiently.

On-site administration of your program

There was no institution in the U.S. that I went to that helped set up my CEA program, etc. but CEA was very hopeful on-line, over the phone, etc in getting all the logistics squared away. Their organized site, support services and promptness when responding to questions was one of their strengths as a program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I completely recommend living with a host-family in a casa universitaria. Meals and cleaning are provided but you also get the benefits of living with a family (I loved mine!) and are able to live with other students. It's the best of both worlds. My neighborhood was extremely safe, living was in general fine but took some getting used to (not always hot water, etc.) but it's part of the experience. In general, Sevilla is relatively easy to get around, but my living situation was very convenient in terms of location. I felt/was treated as if I was a family member and my house parents felt like my parents away from home and were very comforting, sweet, and entertaining.

I was vegan before going abroad, but went in being vegetarian, because I knew it would be difficult. I eventually transitioned to eating everything because my options were limited, but I never truly enjoyed the food. It was out of my comfort zone, and not particularly healthy but others liked it. Experiment withrestaurants in the city because there are a few gems out there.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All my travels, the people I met, my home, etc. were new, foreign to me, difficult, and gratifying at the same time.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I always felt extremely safe in Sevilla overall, was cautious but didn't think about it much even as a female. I got sick a lot from staying up late, traveling, etc. and had to learn how to buy medicine at pharmacies, etc. Had one leg injury and although CEA was attentive, setting up doctor appointments, x-rays, etc. took a long time and was frustrating.

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

I practiced Spanish mainly with locals and my host family. It was difficult and rare to speak with friends on the program, but you use it everyday in regular activities, during class and while traveling. Some people spoke English, but the majority of people in Sevilla don't, but for those who don't speak Spanish well, there was usually at least one student who could communicate within a group.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Local Students
• Host Family

• Organization
• built in trips, activities, etc.
• Caring nature of administration

• faster response to health related issues