Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

best experience of my life Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2019 to 05/10/2019 with

CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the most I gained from this experience was learning about the local culture. I visited almost everything in the city and was able to get to know it like the back of my hand. Also meeting so many new people, especially locals was my favorite part because I learned even more about different aspects of culture from local festivals, to foods, to traditions, to how local students/younger people live and think, and my Spanish improved significantly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All of my personal experiences with the Sevilla program administration were very positive and they were all very accommodating and helpful. However, I heard from several other students in my program about issues that they encountered with some of the staff that weren't so positive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family could not have been a more perfect pairing for me.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I took advantage of absolutely every single cultural activity that was offered to me and I genuinely think I was completely integrated with the local culture apart from the language barrier. I never even experienced culture shock at any point throughout my entire semester.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues that had to be brought to the program, but I found everything easily accessible at the local pharmacies.

* Safety:

I have never felt safer anywhere, even very late at night or very early in the morning, I felt safe walking somewhere 20 minutes away from my home completely alone.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? averaged 250 euros/week

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Meet as many locals as you can! Get involved in any student exchange programs that are offered either through the program or through the local university, there are always plenty offered that allow local students to practice speaking english with Americans and Americans can practice the local language as well. This was definitely very helpful!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • activities/events offered
  • organization of classes
* What could be improved?
  • more accurate syllabi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that the syllabus for one of my CIEE classes was not going to be very accurate.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.