Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best time of my life Past Review

By (Biology and Spanish, Providence College) - abroad from 01/15/2013 to 06/15/2013 with

CIEE: Seville - Advanced Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much more than I ever thought that I would. I came to learn Spanish and I learned that and more. I really learned about myself and others and would never trade the experience for anything.

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.

I took the majority of my classes at the university of Sevilla direct enrollment. The classes were difficult and much different than classes in the uni US. The classes with the program were easier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really disliked living in the homestay. Wished that I had moved.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

The meals are included in the homestay price, so it is unnecessary to buy more food, cutting the costs of personal expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 25 to 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don´t eat out all the time, it is ok to go out and not get anything.

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? 212
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? Talk with anyone who will listen and don´t be afraid to make a mistake, it is going to happen.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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 staff was very nice.
  • The cultural excursions.
  • Language support.
* What could be improved?
  • Providence College Center for International Studies
  • Direct enrollment classes
  • grade conversion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how long the direct enrollment classes ran, staying an entire 5 months is a long time, and it was difficult to find a job back in the United States with the school year running so late.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!