Sevilla: the best decision I ever made! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very manageable and never really overwhelming. A couple of my classes had many assignments along with a midterm and final, however, I had one class that only used two exams as assessment for my overall grade. The teachers understood that we weren't fluent in Spanish so don't be alarmed with by seeing "instruction in Spanish," the teachers were very helpful and understanding.

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinator was excellent and she reall tried to help us in any way she could. I know some people that switched housing and the staff was really helpful and efficient. The only problem I faced was that when choosing classes we had to write a couple alternatives and once we were assigned classes, you couldn't change your classes except for what you chose as an alternative. It just wasn't originally explained very well because it was frustrating not being able to change into a class you know has room but you didnt put down as an alternative.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a "Senora" and aboslutely LOVED it. She lived alone in an apartment building since her four chidlren had moved out. She was about 65 but so lively and free-spirited. She loved to talk and we would sit for an hour or more at every meal just talking in Spanish and learning. She was an amazing cook which was lucky because with a host family they are supposed to provide three meals a day. Her apartment was small but beautiful and really clean. I had my own bedroom and bathroom to use since it was the guest bathroom ad noone else was there. She truly made me feel comfortable and told me many times that it was my house too so I could use antyhing like the living room and eat anything in the kitchen. She provided me with sheets and towels. I walked about 15 minuts to the program center and 25 minutes to the university but the weather is gorgeous and so is the scenery so I didnt mind. There are buses and bikes easily available if walking is not an option. There were many stores and cafes in the area so it was so easy to buy any necessary things. I always felt safe and there was another student from the program living on the floor above me so we would often walk together at night. We often took taxis when it was very late.

My host mother was so accommodating about everything, including food. She would always ask me if I liked it or not and if I had enough. I rarely went out since my food at home was deleicious adn free, however, if i did go out my friends and I would go to tapas restaurants becuase you can ususally find good food for cheap prices. Also, they are really good portions so you can get them for yourself or get a bigger one to share with a few people.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Morocco was definitely one of the highlights of my time abroad. It was so different than anytihg I had ever experienced and above that, we were able to speak SPanish with Moroccan students who were also learning the language. I would not ahve had that opportunity anywhere else. My program did a really amazing job with always giving us opportunites to speak and learn Spanish. I wa clearly a prioroty for them.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems with safety and had no medical issues. There were pharmacies everywhere if needed.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Since I lived with a "Senora" who spoke no Enlgish, I used Spanish every sinlge day i was in Seville. Also, I used it in all my classes and on the program fieldtrips. In addition, the program set up "intercambios" which are Spanish students who want to learn English to help us practice. A couple times our group even went to Spanish schools to talk with students our age in Spanish.

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• Apartment
• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans