Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience of a lifetime that I will never forget! Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/18/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Seville - International College of Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about a new culture that I will incorporate in my life back in America. I am more independent and feel like I have to rely on my parents less. Words can't even describe how worthwhile this experience was. I want to do it again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent around $100 on other expenses, but a lot more was spent on plane tickets and other travel expenses about once a month.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on travelling to other countries in Europe save up ahead of time to ensure that you have enough money. Plane tickets, money for transportation, food, souvenirs, and activities adds up quickly.

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? Advanced
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? Spanish Composition
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? Participate in the student exchanges if the school offers it because you will get to practice the language more and make friends with a native. Speak the language with your American friends. Talk to your house family!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The administration was friendly and very helpful.
  • The school work load was not heavy.
  • I loved the field trips and city visits.
* What could be improved?
  • The school could have stayed open a little later during the week.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I was going to spend as much money as I did.