Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

In the Southern Sun Past Review

By (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/22/2017 to 12/19/2017 with

CIEE: Seville - International Business & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was immensely worthwhile. I learned so much about myself in being forced to adapt to a totally different lifestyle and culture, as well as being mainly deprived of my first language. Furthermore I travelled extensively and from that not only saw 8 other countries but learned about my own competence and independence.

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.

It was an interesting academic experience but not a challenging one. All of the courses are only with other international (primarily other American) students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great resource with lots of activities for us. Very helpful and approachable staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was fine but while it was a homestay, the family I was placed with was very hard to connect with. I loved the city though, and the location of the flat.

* Food:

Home cooked meals everyday, and to-go "bocadilo" (sandwiches) for days you're not home. Tasty but not healthy and less choice. But it's a very enriching cultural experience,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I just wish we'd gotten to spend more time with Spanish students and had courses with them.

* 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? No

I would choose CIEE and Sevilla again, only I would have chosen the program which demanded more Spanish language ability and included more immersion. I was more advanced at Spanish than I thought going in.

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)

Sevilla is SUPER AFFORDABLE. and so is travel around. Since meals are included spending money is optional.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than 30 euro.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't expect to get a job while abroad, and set aside as much as you can for travel. Pay attention to Ryan Air specials.

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

If the courses hadn't been all in English it would have been better. It felt optional to speak Spanish. I had to put in effort to use it all the time.

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? IB Spanish
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? Meet locals. Immerse yourself. That's the only way to improve

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Sevilla itself
  • All the excursions CIEE offers
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Interaction with Locals
  • Intercambio program
  • Academic Rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there was a program with more Spanish at the University of Seville that was an option.

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.