Sevilla, mi corazón June 27, 2023
By A student (Comparative Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/18/2023 to 05/12/2023 with
CIEE: Seville - Liberal Arts
This program was so worthwhile. I see it as the biggest challenge in "adulting" i have ever faced. I cooked for myself, was responsible for figuring out how to go to the doctor, had to start a social system, and learn my limits—all in another language that, let's face it, I did not speak very well. I 10/10 recommend going abroad, even if not to Seville, if you are able!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Taking classes fully in Spanish (especially with the Andalusian accent) was definitely a challenge, but a good challenge that really pushed me to improve and grow in my speaking and confidence. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program managers really cared about us as students, people living in a foreign country, and did everything to help us succeed. My favorite part of the administration was the programming such as tours of historical sites and day trips. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the residencia, so more independent, apartment style. This was the best option for me, but I do wish that CIEE put forth more of an effort to mix the residencia and homestay students at orientation! |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is AMAZING! My philosophy, don't ask. Just eat. and chorizo does not belong in paella—if the restaurant lists it, it is a tourist trap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would definitely choose the same program, though maybe I would do some things while abroad differently. I think that Sevilla was definitely a push out of my comfort zone, but I have no regrets! |
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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | HISP 175 |
| 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? | Let the locals help you! Some will correct you and give you better, less academic ways of speaking! |
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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| 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? |
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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? | I know now that this was not a vacation. Going into study abroad, I knew there would be work, and that was fine by me, but there are rough days. Learning a new language in a new country is scary and it's really hard; some days I just simply did not want to deal with it. But those days pass and it's okay that you have them. It is not a week-long vacation—it is a whole semester. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
