Can't Wait to go Back! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors taught us a lot and gave us lots of homework but they also knew that we were studying abroad and they knew that half the experience is getting out there and enjoying the new culture by traveling and having fun. They realized that some of the best things learned were outside of the classroom. The grading system was very different at times but some teachers changed it to match the American style of grading. Some of my best teachers compared what we were learning and experiencing outside of the classroom to what we were learning inside the classroom. The teachers at CEA were also more personal then many teachers in America. They would hold study sessions and sometimes we would have class outside of the classroom like in the park or at a cafe down the street. My favorite part was when we could take field trips to different areas and actually experience first hand and up close only what could be learned from a textbook or the internet in the US.

On-site administration of your program

All the directors at CEA were very helpful!! They provided a lot of information and I could get a hold of them any time I needed. They were available to answer questions and help us get acquainted to the country. They also planned several events so we could get to know other students in the program as well as other Spaniards.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a host mom. She was older and she hosts many study abroad students. It was at first hard to get used to her way of doing things with lots of rules especially after living on my own for so long in the US. She lived in a small apt not too far from the center of the city. I could walk to my other friend's house as well as to CEA campus, and much of the nightlife. She cooked Spanish food for us on a nightly basis. She could only speak Spanish so it helped my Spanish a lot.

My host mom would cook lunch and dinner everyday. She would cook very local food so we could try it. She would also cook American food because she knew we liked it the best and it reminded us of home. She would also make us fresh sandwiches or give us fresh fruit with every meal. Going out for Spanish food or tapas is a must! Spaniards love to go out and eat and drink until late hours into the night. Tapas can be found everywhere. Be sure to try the churros at random stands. Of course I had to hit up McDonalds every now and again.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Excursions to other cities were always amazing. We also got to go watch Flamenco dances and bullfights which were very Spanish.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The healthcare system seemed not as smooth or easily accessible, but fortunately I did not have to deal with it. I had a couple of friends who had to. The program directors at CEA were very helpful. They went with the students to the doctor or hospital to help with any language barriers or transportation. Overall, I felt very safe in Seville. I never had to worry about being harmed or robbed. I would walk the streets of Seville by myself often even at night. Never once did I feel unsafe. I felt safer at times in Seville then I would in a larger city in the US.

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

All my classes were in English except for my one Spanish class that I took. I had to speak Spanish outside the classroom everyday since Spanish is their first language. Not a lot of locals knew English so I had to use Spanish everyday. My host family also did not know English. I mostly used English with my fellow classmates, directors at CEA, and my teachers who spoke English. I learned a lot of Spanish from just being in Sevilla for 4 months.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• City
• Excursion
• Teachers

• Internet services.
• Immersion with locals.
• Study areas.