Past Review
By Aimee O (Spanish/Secondary Education, Providence College) for
CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts
My study abroad experience was extremely worthwhile. It is difficult even trying to explain the experience because the understandings and qualities that one gains while abroad are numerous. Although Providence College is much like a second home to me, Spain now feels like a second country to me--from being there I gained confidence in myself while learning how to adjust to so many new things in life, independence, appreciation for other cultures and ways of life, etc. I think that when we are at PC for multiple semesters in a row, we forget that the outside world exists but it still does and while in Spain I woke up every day feeling like I needed to go out and explore and do something and live a new lifestyle and do as much as I possibly could to take advantage of the opportunity. To have this experience and see a different way of life in a very different environment was at times intimidating but I definitely came to appreciate Spanish culture now that I was able to experience it first hand rather than through classroom learning.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Sevilla/Pable de Olavide |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The support services were available but hardly ever needed. If they were needed they were extremely helpful especially with schoolwork for example they had a writing center to correct papers before handing them in so t perfect them for better grades. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the negihborhood of Los Remedios, a very beautiful part of the city of Sevilla on Republica de Argentina. This was a main street in this neighborhood, just one very long road with wide side walks and tons of shops that lined th sidewalks. Anything I ever needed to get was no more than a five minute walk away. This was always well lit and not far from the CIEE building or the hot spots for food and going out! I loved this area. <br /><br /> My host mother was absolutely amazing-- super friendly and energetic and an amazing embodiment of the Sevillana way of life. She provided everything for my roommate and I and she lived in a great area in Sevilla-- not too far from anything, very beautiful right in the heart of the city. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I think one of the best things CIEE took us to see was the tomb of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand in Granada. AFter learning about how much these two people did for Spain it was chilling to actually see where their remains are-- not to mention Granada was amazing-- definitel my favorite city in Andalucia after Sevilla where I studied. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sevilla was an incredible safe and friendly city. The program obviously warned us of things not to do that would typically put us in danger. If you coule take simple obvious advice everything would be fine and be smart about money in pockets and purses but that is just being very careful. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Although Spanish house mother usually provided a sandwich for the school day sometimes I would be at school for 12 hours and would get really hungry so definitely extra money for food, coffee, etc. Going out is definitely another expense that can get pretty costly. ATM withdrawls... TALK to your bank first to check for hidden fees!!!! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The best practice is to talk to the host family and new Spanish friends. Even when we attempted to speak SPanish among our American friends we always ended up speaking in English. |
| 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?
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would highly recommend an abroad program to somebody who has a very strong passion for languages, culture, history above all but among other things as well. I think somebody with one or two or even all of the mentioned interests would most benefit and gain an even greater appreciation and pride for what they love. |
