Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best 5 weeks of my life! Past Review

By (Biology, General., Truman State University) - abroad from 05/26/2012 to 06/30/2012 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 gained a new insight on life and great friends. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The instructors were engaging and absolutely wonderful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my Spanish house Mom. She was a wonderful woman who really cared about the students she housed.

* Food:

I thought the food in Seville was really delicious. There's a lot of ice cream and pastries, too!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Seville.

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)

I spent a lot of money on extra things, such as food, a soccer game, and a bull fight, but it wouldn't be necessary.

* 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? $150

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? Intermediate Spanish
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? Speak the language as much as possible, the locals are very helpful and want you to learn! Also, try to speak with the other American students in the foreign language, not just English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • I loved the city of Seville and the culture that came with it.
  • I really enjoyed my classes and professors.
  • The American and international friends I made while in Spain will be friends for life.
* What could be improved?
  • The only thing I was unhappy with was the small amount of time there was to travel to other countries in Europe.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You mostly use cash, so bring quite a lot of euros with you. I thought I was going to use a credit card mostly, but ended up having to withdraw from ATM's a lot.