Sevilla is a whole other world! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't feel like my classes were that great. Some of them were very informative and well taught however others were either kind of fluffy or far too confusing. The workload is small in general but at the end of the semester every class has a paper and a final and that can be very overwhelming. A more spread out semester would have been preferable. In general, the classes were easy and useful enough that I was learning about where I was and I had time to enjoy the new country and travel.

On-site administration of your program

I felt like the on site administrators just had way too many students to deal with and the rule requiring us to speak in Spanish even when we had a significant problem meant that explaining that problem, solving that problem or evening asking for help were hindered. I also felt like I was given incorrect information about classes and ability to play sports by the administrators and then not given enough help to solve the problems. However, if I had been more proactive I'm sure they would have been as helpful as they could have been.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived very very far away from the school. I usually had walk home at night at least part of the way alone. This never ended up being a problem. My street was clean, safe and had lots of local spots to visit. I had to pay for internet access which was expensive but necessary. Many cafes do not connect to Macs, there were not enough computers at the CIEE center and a good deal of my homework needed internet. My biggest dissatisfaction with housing was that some people had wireless for free and I had to pay for it. Living with a homestay was a great experience in people skills and learning about the culture. I tried more new foods than I could ever imagine and I felt like I met someone I never would have otherwise. My Senora and Senor were very hospitable. Though at some times they were a little weird I imagine an American family hosting a foreign student may seem weird as well.

My Senora was great about cooking things I liked and was not sensitive if I didn't like something. I eat meat, eggs and cheese so I was pretty easy to feed and I wanted to try everything. A more restrictive diet or picky palette would have a much harder time. I very much enjoy the food culture of tapas in Sevilla and would encourage students to explore that as much as possible.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The CIEE sponsored trips were a little short but in general entertaining. I had a lot of fun with my friends playing soccer with CIEE once a week.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't remember health issues ever being addressed. Never felt particularly unsafe.

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

I spoke exclusively Spanish with my homestay family as they didn't know a word of useful English. I tried to speak Spanish with my American friends but in general we spoke in English unless Spanish was required. I would encourage speaking Spanish when you meet new people but many times they will want to practice their English so figure out a good combination. Spanish was most useful in restaurants and stores and when asking for directions.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Host Family

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• Americans