Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 01/13/2015 to 05/08/2015 with

CIEE: Seville - Business + Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much confidence in my abilities within my language, as a part of the business world, and as a global citizen. I was able to travel across two continents, five countries, and over 25 cities while making lifelong friends and having incomparable experiences. I found a part of myself that I didn't know existed; that is unafraid, spontaneous, open-minded, and always ready for adventure. I got a first hand look at another culture and fell completely in love. This experience has been, for me, literally incredible. In that without proof, I still have trouble believing that it happened at times. I was so completely worthwhile that I'm almost offended at this question's insinuation that it might not have been.

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.

* 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?

* 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? About 100€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family as much as possible

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3233
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? Watch TV and movies in your target language. Join a conversationalist club. Practice any way you can

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Included trip to Morocco
  • Included optional internship with a Spanish company
  • My host family.
* What could be improved?
  • The enrollment process could be better communicated to the students so as to avoid confusion once on site.
  • More course offerings with local students would be nice.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You go into a semester abroad expecting to travel, sure, grab a few souvenirs, try new foods. What you're not expecting is to fall in love with a new city, a new culture, and people from all over the world. You arrive ready to take a piece of your host country with you, but you end up leaving a piece of your own heart behind. I have yet to speak with a single study abroad student who doesn't feel this way. My advice is: when you go abroad, give 100% of yourself over to the experience. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most that take it and one that will impact you at your most fundamental level. Don't be afraid, just let it happen. I promise, you'll be so glad you did.

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 Urbanite
A 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.