Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

By far, the best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Communication, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/06/2012 to 05/19/2012 with

CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I met some of the best friends I'll ever have, had the best experience of my life, learned how I most like to spend my time, had the most fun I've ever had, learned Spanish, somewhat figured out what I want to do with my life. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Pablo de Olavide, CIEE
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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $0-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I found it helpful to manage my spending by carrying a set amount of money with me, the amount of which depended on the activities in which I was partaking.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish V in high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family and set aside time to hang out with them.

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
  • 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?
  • My classmates
  • The program-sponsored trips
  • Degree of academic rigor
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Besides an issue with class credit, there was nothing I felt I didn't know that I would have benefited from knowing pre-departure.

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.