The experience of a lifetime. Past Review

By (Business, Birmingham-Southern College) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/11/2018 with

CIEE: Seville - Business + Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, and who I as a person. It was the most amazing experience. I wish I could've stayed longer.

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.

Incredible teachers. Always were willing to help, loved the programs used, and getting to meet local students in classes too. Challenging but I loved it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration staff was one of the greatest parts of my experience. Virigina Neira was amazing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my host family, sometimes they were gone on the weekends which would sometimes get lonely but overall good experience.

* Food:

Food was good. Sometimes my host mom wouldn't set out a dinner for me but overall it was good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Amazing. I wish I could go back. I made local friends, the culture was loving and accepting. It was amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. I was never worried about my safety. CIEE did a great job of warning us ahead of time of risky situations.

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)

I spent lots of money, but that was only because I wanted to indulge in the experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not sure.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Indulge when you want, don't feel guilty about it.

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? SN300
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Staff/Teachers
  • Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Host Family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It was easy to make friends with the fellow students. People are welcoming and inviting. Make local friends!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'