Past Review
By Annie (Marketing., Providence College) for
CIEE: Seville - Business + Society
My study abroad experience has been the most beneficial experience in my life. I grew as a person with my independence, confidence, and intelligence. My Spanish skills have increased significantly. It has changed my views of my future. I already know I want to go back someday soon to live there for a while and perfect my Spanish. The relationships I developed there with fellow students and Spaniards, especially my host family, are like no other and will never be forgotten. Choosing to go abroad, to Spain, and to Sevilla, has proven to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Seville |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
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 |
They were all so nice and truly wanted us to enjoy our time abroad. They were always there for help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved it. I lived with a 55 year old senora and her 20 year old daughter, which was perfect. They were so welcoming and I felt like part of the family. My senora cooked me amazing food and treated me like a daughter. We all became so close. It was so hard to leave them. <br /><br /> Loved my housing. One bad thing was the location but I got used to it. It was a little bit out of the city but all the kids in my program were near me so it ended up being fine! |
| * Food: |
My senora cooked the best food! She wanted me to try everything and I got to try all the tastiest Spanish dishes. There were few repeats too. Also, if I couldn't make it back for lunch, she would pack me a huge sandwich and a snack. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program had many activities throughout the city, like little tours through certain parts of the city and hikes outside the city. We also had a planned weekend trip to Morocco which was amazing. There were also sports set up with Spaniards, flamenco classes, and other little things for everyone to enjoy. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe in my program. Like any city though, you need to be smart. Anyone can snatch your purse at any time and no walking late by yourself. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | Be careful what you spend your money on but don't hesitate to spend it. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you should do everything you want to do. |
Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family and all of my classes were taught in Spanish. I spoke the language a lot daily, and naturally my proficiency improved. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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? | DO IT. If you don't experience abroad you will regret it. If you are thinking Spain, Sevilla is the place to be. Madrid and Barcelona are huge, but at least for me Sevilla was the perfect size. It is gorgeous and there is so much to fall in love with. You should definitely choose this program if you are into business and want to improve your Spanish skills. |
