Spain: Learn to Live Past Review
By Marisa P (Political Science and Government., Trinity University) for
CIEE: Seville - Advanced Liberal Arts
My experience really shifted my perspective on future plans. Going abroad helped me gain independence and realize the context in which I can thrive. I think that the study abroad experience allows people to learn more about themselves which is why I would recommend that students go abroad if they have the opportunity to do so.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was well balanced. The teaching style was not as interactive as the American educational system, but was still comprehensive and thorough. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt that the program was supportive of students. They were very helpful and efficient in helping me make an appointment with a doctor while I was abroad. I felt like I could get information from directors at the study center quickly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was very welcoming and extremely supportive during my semester. The location was also very convenient as it was close to the CIEE study center and the university. Living with a host family seems like the best option if a student is looking to experience full immersion. |
| * Food: |
Many students living with a host family received large portions of food and generally enjoyed their meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Advanced Liberal Arts program includes a reimbursement program which encourages students to take part in Spanish cultural activities. Many students used the program to travel around Spain. Allowing us to plan these trips gave us a sense of independence and also allowed us to become familiar with other areas in Spain. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I would suggest having friends to walk with at night if anyone is out late, however, I generally felt secure in Seville. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget well while traveling around Europe. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program was especially effective in helping Americans feel integrated with other Spanish students. The "intercambio" program allowed students to meet regularly with a Spanish student which created a helpful setting in which to practice the language. Students who worked in the CIEE study center were also very friendly and easy to talk to. Living with a host family also helped a lot of students learn more Spanish. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who wants to make Spanish friends and take classes at a local university would greatly benefit from this program. |
