Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It opened up my mind to a new way of life! Past Review

By (Business Administration, Management and Operations., Bentley University) - abroad from 08/21/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new language (still not fluent, but it has improved significantly) as well as an open mind to a new culture. In addition, I met very close friends from across the United States and I still stay in touch with Spaniards that I met in Spain. It was worth the experience and I recommend to anyone!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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? 25 dollars a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go on all the free trips that your program gives you

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 102
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? Get an exchange partner while abroad, who you can practice your foreign language with and you can help them with their English; Hang out with the locals as much as possible Use it whenever you can and you are only going to get better the more you practice

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?
  • Organization
  • Friendly Staff
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I had studied the language more in the summer before arriving just to help my knowledge of the language especially since almost no one knew English in Seville.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!