Spain: Studying directly at the Universidad de Sevilla Past Review
By Kathleen S (Biology and Spanish, Trinity University) for
CIEE: Seville - Advanced Liberal Arts
I learned how to rely on myself and be ok with being alone every now and then. I also learned that stressing about grades and school is not a worldwide phenomena and that I should take time to enjoy life, sit and eat a great meal, and have real conversations with friends.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Sevilla |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
Very helpful and sometimes only held back by problems at the University that they could not control since the University was separate from CIEE program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a 30-45 min walk to class each day, which took some getting used to since I had to go back for lunch each day. Food was delicious. Didn't have to buy anything and host family treated me like a guest but by the end like a friend. |
| * Food: |
I am lactose intolerant, and my host mom always took that into account. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Great trips to Granada and learned to dance flamenco and even got to hike around a typical "white village". |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sevilla felt soooo much safer than Madrid or Barcelona. Loved it. |
| 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? | Keep a budget written down! I spend alot much faster than I realized. There is so much shopping to do in Sevilla! And taking weekend trips adds up. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with my host family, listening in class to the professor, on trips organized by my program with a no-english rule, and with Spanish friends. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You must be proactive to meet Spaniards -- Talk in Spanish! |
Comments
Living in Sevilla was an amazing experience. I was fortunate enough to love my host family and meet great friends - both Americans and Spaniards - who I hope to keep up with for the rest of my life. I was so impressed with how friendly the Spaniards were to me - they made me feel right at home. I also commend CIEE for the trips and intercambios with native Spaniards, as these were very helpful in making Spanish friends since it was more difficult to meet people in classes at the Universidad de Sevilla. I never felt unsafe in Sevilla and just couldn't stop looking at how beautiful the city was every time I walked through the historic center. Overall, a great experience!
Kassie1 January 25, 2011
