Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

No Regrets! Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

CIEE: Seville - Language & Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I now communicate in Spanish on a daily basis. I learned more independence and a whole lot of tolerance and patience. The geographical and historical sites were breathtaking!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? Average of $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use public transport, become friends with the locals to find the great cheap places.

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? Intermediate
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? Hang out with locals- everyday. Listen to music in the language, read in the language. Speak to your American friends in he language, especially during class.

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?
  • Spanish focus
  • Administration of CIEE
  • Site seeing
* What could be improved?
  • Host family
  • More community activity info
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To be more confident when speaking in another language.

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!