Spain: I Liked It Past Review
By Victoria L (History and Science, Harvard University) for
CIEE: Seville - Summer Language and Culture
Yes, large improvement in language, well-organized program, live with a Spanish family.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I'm not sure how the grading system in Spain correlated to grades in the U.S. Professors were very nice and helpful. It was nice to have native Sevillanos as teachers because they were well-versed in the immediate culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was very well-prepared to make us comfortable and address our needs. There were many events made available to see more sites and attractions in the city. The staff was quick to accommodate me when I needed a change in home stay. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family treated me very well and was helpful in speaking and listening to Spanish. |
| * Food: |
My family always supplied me with plenty of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many historic sites that we got to visit, great city to study in. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. Some other girls had a couple scares walking home late at night. Just be aware of what is around you. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe 20 euro a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You'll spend as much as you let yourself spend...it's easy to buy a ton of stuff, but you also don't need to spend much to survive. Need money for gifts and treats when you want to eat out. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 40 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish almost the whole time. I spoke Spanish with my host family, with professors, in the classroom, and in navigating daily life around Sevilla. |
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 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? | Spain: do it. |
