Best experience of my life! :) Past Review

By (Communication Disorders Sciences and Services., Truman State University) - abroad from 05/25/2012 to 06/29/2012 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 an understanding of another culture and it was absolutely worthwhile.

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 teachers were awesome, and I liked that the classes were small so we got more attention from the teachers to build a more personal relationship with them.

* 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)

I consider this gifts I bought, personal things I bought for myself like clothes, jewelry, etc., and things I went out and did like tickets to a bullfight and soccer game among others.

* 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? $250

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

We spoke the language in class as well as encouraging us to go out and speak with local natives.

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? SPAN 330
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? Try and speak the language with your peers during the trip even though you may want to speak English because it's easier. If I could go back I wish my friends that I made and I would have spoken the language with each other more.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The city I lived in.
  • The friends I made.
  • The classes I took.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known to speak the language with my friends on the program more.