Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Seize the Moment Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., Villanova University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

CIEE: Seville - Business + Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about myself and about many different cultures. I learned Spanish as well and how to effectively balance my school work and fun. Gained a ton of new friends and a newfound appreciation for my own home country, the USA.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital for an infected blister and it was very easily accessible and program assisted.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at host family as much as you can. Don't go out every single night. Avoid situations that end up costing money such as trip to the hospital etc.. Search for cheapest flights, hostels, etc.

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? Conversation and Composition 1
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use it and practice as much as you can. Try to think with it.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Spanish language
  • New friends
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Means of transportation to class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not get frustrated and know that the more you do things the right way (ie. constantly practicing Spanish) the faster the results will come, even if it seems they aren't going to come at all. They will.

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!