Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing experience with great people in an incredibly rich culture Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being able to live in a foreign country for a semester is such a learning experience. Not only did I learn more about myself but I also learned so much about the culture. I gained so much respect for the culture by immersing myself in the culture. It most definitely was worthwhile and I would recommend it to anyone .

Personal Information

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.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 - $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of all the food provided for you and always look for deals when going out.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish Grammar
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? Fully integrate yourself. Speak Spanish whenever you can. Talk to random people.

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?
  • I loved the people I was with and the orientation program because it made me a lot less nervous to be there.
  • I really enjoyed the activities that the program provided for us because it allowed us to meet new people.
* What could be improved?
  • They could help with the integration into the local culture a little bit more. One of the things I wish I was able to do was make more local friends.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that they really help us get integrated into the city. I was very nervous to go but once I got there my nerves were calmed because they really help you.