Sevilla: The Perfect City Past Review
By Larissa L (Psychology and Spanish, Trinity University) for
CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts
Yes. I wish daily I could still be in Spain. I learned that the world has more to offer that my brain can possibly comprehend. I am going back to Spain this summer! My experience taught me that although we are all different, we are still very much the same. However, when you open your eyes past your personal world, there is so much that can be learned.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were extremely informative in regards to the history of Spain. The professors were so nice and always willing to talk. But, there seemed to never be a steady workload. Nothing would be occurring in the class, and then all at once there was a ton of work to be done. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Weaknesses are that some of the host placements are absolutely awful. Strengths are that if anything is wrong, the administration is friendly and more than willing to work with students to correct the problem. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a horrible housing situation when I first arrived in Spain. The lady would remind me of her financial situation constantly and would feed me the bare minimum. We never talk and it was incredibly volatile. I lost 9 pounds in two weeks and really could not wait for the experience to end. I ended up switching houses after she yelled at me via Skype about eating two pieces of fruit for breakfast and how I made too much noise and other little things that were not disruptive. She was almost emotionally and verbally abusive on multiple occasions. After that situation, I was switched the same night into a new home and ended up loving my new host mother. She and I still keep in contact, and I am even visiting her this summer. She treats me like one of her own family and is truly part of why I did not want to leave Spain and what made my stay incredible. We had great talks, she fed me sufficiently, and was truly happy to have my company. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Literally, every event that CIEE sponsors is amazing. I would tell people to take advantage of anything and everything they offer. Not only are the cultural experiences free, but the CIEE guides know their stuff and are so friendly its ridiculous. My most memorable parts of my program are on trips and cultural excursions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety in Sevilla was great. I never felt unsafe. However, there is an aspect of machismo which leads to girls getting cat-called, but nothing bad ensues. I would just say to people be smart about your decisions and realize you are not at home, so act accordingly. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent around 25 Euro and food and fun things each week. However, cost goes up when you travel - flights, food, souvenirs, attractions. My cost was low each week because all meals were provided by my host. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I wish I had realized the east of travel and been able to plan out the places to visit ahead of time |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I improved my Spanish the most by staying with a host mom who I conversed with daily for long periods of time over dinner and whenever we were both hime. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go into this program with as little preconceived notions as possible and really embrace everything that comes your way. Try new things and dont let your inhibitions get the best of you. |
Comments
Sevilla es la ciudad mas magnifico en el mundo
Larissa_6209 April 02, 2012
