Abroad in Sevilla Past Review
By Lauren R (PSYCHOLOGY., Villanova University) for
CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts
I improved my Spanish and became more culturally aware. It has made me want to continue my Spanish education and try to become bilingual.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Sevilla |
| 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. |
The workload and grading system are reasonable for the program and the teachers do a good job of explaining the work and grade fairly. A major difference is that in Spain they mostly just have one midterm and final and they are the only grades for the class. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program did a great job at getting students involved. It had tons of trips and interest groups to be a part of. Administration was very involved and accommodating; they wanted to help as much as possible with any problem or concern. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living with my senora was an amazing experience. She was a great asset to my Spanish and an amazing cook. Of course living with someone you just met is a strange feeling at first, but it is worth it. She provided all the items I needed for my room except for a towel. The neighborhood was safe and a reasonable distance from nightlife and school. She treated me very kindly and wanted to interact as much as possible. |
| * Food: |
My host listened to every food I did not like and was very accommodating. Her food was good and I was never pressured to eat anything I did not want to. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program held trips to Granada, Cordoba and Cadiz which were all very fun. There are other trips and cultural experiences students can get involved with as well. The program also held a great Thanksgiving dinner for the students. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Seville. Students had to be aware of their surroundings and smart about their actions at night, but I never had a problem with anyone or safety. I did not experience any health problems. |
| 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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program does a great job of promoting Spanish and trying to get students to speak it at all times. You can practice Spanish with other students, teachers, intercambios, and your host family. Yes, you need to use Spanish everyday in public and at home. Some people speak English but the majority does not. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Experience everything Sevilla and the program has to offer when you are there. Never stop exploring the city or trying to meet new people. This program is for someone that really wants to experience the Spanish culture and lifestyle. |
