A roller coaster of tastes, sounds, smells, and a burst of vibrant life. Past Review
By A student (Spanish/Business Studies, Providence College) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 06/07/2013 with
CIEE: Seville - Advanced Liberal Arts
To be independent, to not sweat the little things, and to realize there's more to life than a strict work schedule.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors of my program were very helpful and accessible. They really eased the transition into Spanish life. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in a homestay was not what I expected at all. My host mom was 70 years old and it was definitely difficult at times. I loved my time abroad but a controlling Spanish woman was hard to deal with at times. |
| * Food: |
The food at my homestay was the only reason I didn't leave. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I lived 80% like a Sevillana. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Everyone tells you "no pasa nada" or "Sevilla is the safest city in Europe". I have to agree that it is a lot safer than other European cities, but there is still crime and dangerous areas and it is NEVER okay to walk in small groups. I was chased down by a man when I was with one of my girlfriends one night walking home at 3am. Just save yourself a horrifying experience and make some guy friends that will stick with you all night. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 70 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at your homestay during the week to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | SPN 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? | Go out with Spaniards to speak it in normal social settings. Your homestay is not the place to expand your vocabulary because you talk about the same topics day in and day out. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | The sort of classes I would be taking as an ALA student |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
