Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sevilla Past Review

By (Marketing, Trinity University) for

CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worth it. I absolutely loved my study abroad experience and would go back right this second if possible. It is a great way to learn a language and culture, and learn more about yourself. It is so much fun.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Pablo de Olvavide

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system is a bit different. Numbers 1-10 are used instead of the letter system (A-F), but CIEE converts them to the letter system when the transcript is sent to the home university. But other than that everything else is pretty similar. The class grades consist of test, quizzes, essays, participation, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were people at the CIEE Center and the International office at the university who were always available for help. They all spoke both English and Spanish.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family is a great way to improve your Spanish and learn about the local culture. I became really close with my host family and still keep in touch with them. The host family has everything in the room set up for you. My room had a bed, drawers, desk, etc. My senora also made me 3 meals a day, did my laundry, and cleaned my room. One thing about most Spanish houses is that majority of them do not have air conditioning or heaters throughout the whole house. Often, if there is any, they will be in the main living room. So it would be nice to be aware of this in case there are certain items or clothes you would want to have. It gets really hot in august/september and can get pretty cold in the winter.

* Food:

Breakfast usually consists of a piece of toast and coffee. Lunch is served between 2-4pm and is the biggest meal of the day. Dinner is often at 9-10 and is a small, light meal. Spanish cuisine is very different from American cuisine. It is very Mediterranean in that a lot of olive oil and bread is used.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CIEE always has excursions/field trips to local attractions throughout Sevilla which are optional. They are a great way to know the city and free. There is always a guide and its a much better way then going by yourself on your own.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Sevilla is a relatively safe city. The worse thing that happened to anyone in my program was being pick pocketed, but majority of the time crimes in Sevilla are non-violent. Pick pocketing also is barely as bad compared to other cities I traveled in Europe. Also, I felt safe walking home alone even though it is not recommended.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling always cost more than planned so be aware (food, shopping, going out, etc.). Also, don't forget about transportation costs including getting to/leaving the airport. And if traveling by air, buy flights as soon as possible. The earlier, the cheaper.

Language

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?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people (other students in the program/the faculty)
* What could be improved?
  • Housing locations (wish they were closer to the center/Triana)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Sevilla isn't the biggest city compared to Barcelona and Madrid. It is bigger than cities like Granada however. Sevilla is a great city for those who really want to immerse themselves into the Spanish culture. Sevilla is pretty homogeneous. There aren't that many foreigners besides study abroad students so it is a great way to learn/practice Spanish and really see the Spanish culture.