NO8DO: Sevilla hasn't left me! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

When I started classes in Seville, I had no idea what to expect. I was nervous, to say the least, since I knew that all of my courses were going to be taught in Spanish and all of them covered topics that I was unfamiliar with. However, my educational experience turned out to be a great success. Luckily, all of my professors were extremely understanding and caring people who were genuinely concerned with the performance of their students. They all made it clear that they were not there to judge us on our speaking abilities, nor were they going to grade us or treat us differently if we had trouble communicating or understanding a specific concept being taught. The material was taught at a steady pace, which allowed all of us in the class to follow along and stop at any time if we had doubts, concerns, or questions. The grading system is quite different over there, in the sense that it is based on a 10 scale, making it harder for us, American students, to achieve the good grades we are used to. However, like I said before, the professors were all very accommodating to our needs and I never once felt overwhelmed or disappointed with my classroom performance.

On-site administration of your program

CIEE has setup a tremendous program in Seville. From the time I received my acceptance letter up until the final days of the program, I felt extremely comfortable with the whole experience and knew that if I had even the smallest question, I did not have to hesitate to ask. The orientations, both pre-departure and on-site, were extremely helpful and enabled me to become very familiar with the city that I was going to be living in for the next four months. The program was very large but the classes were small, so I never once felt overwhelmed. I think the aspect of the program I enjoyed the most was all the activities that they planned and set up for us, including the three trips (Cordoba, Granada, and Cadiz) as well as the interest groups and weekend hikes, etc.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing experience was, by far, the most enjoyable for me while abroad. I lived with an older woman. She had two grandsons, who were 9 and 14, who came over almost every day, which made it even more of a great experience. My language definitely improved primarily because of the housing situation that I was in. My senora did not speak any English and therefore I was forced to try my best and speak Spanish every single day that I was with her. As soon as I entered the door to her apartment, she made me feel as though I was her own daughter and that this was just as much my home as it was hers. I also have dietary needs, which I was very worried about dealing with while abroad. However, she made sure to accommodate all of my needs and did all that she could to make me feel that I was being well-fed and cared for. On the last day of the program, it was extremely emotional for the both of us because I felt that I was leaving my family members behind. The relationship that the two of us formed was one that you would see between a mother and daughter. I could not have asked for a better housing situation.

As I said before, I have dietary restrictions. However, Spain's diet consisted of many of the foods that I can eat, such as meats, potatoes, fish, rice, etc. My host mother made sure that I was eating well and her meals that she made were out of this world. She was a wonderful cook and I always enjoyed meal times with the family because it was such a unique cultural opportunity, as well as a great time for me to practice my speaking and comprehension skills.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of the most memorable moments that I have is with my interest group when we took our trip to Morocco. Each person is encouraged to join an interest group in the beginning of the semester. These groups, each having a different focus, are meant to expand our knowledge about the city and country that we are living in. Also, at the end of the semester, each group takes a trip to a different place, ours being Morocco. That trip was truly unforgettable and I am so happy that I participated in a group with my friends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I, honestly, never felt unsafe in Seville. I know that if I did have an uncomfortable situation or if I needed assistance in any way, CIEE would have been right there to help. I did become sick while I was over there and they were great about calling an English speaking doctor who could see me and treat me. The pharmacies are very easy to handle over there, as well.

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

Every single day I was speaking in Spanish. One of the main reasons I chose Sevilla, as opposed to other cities in Spain, was because I had heard that many people still do not speak English or that their English is very limited. This proved to be true while I lived there for the semester. I was constantly speaking in Spanish. CIEE has a policy that you have to speak Spanish in all classes and in CIEE buildings. Therefore, for the majority of my day I was speaking my second language.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans