Best experience of my life! Past Review

By (Nursing/Spanish, Broward College) - abroad from 01/09/2010 to 05/28/2010 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing and definitely worthwhile. I wish I could go back and repeat another semester!

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and always there is you need anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Highly satisfied! I have made life long friends from this experience. The family that I stayed with was amazing. Very inviting and accommodating.

* Food:

I was able to try many things that I had never had. Most of the food was delicious and enjoyed trying new things!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Once I got comfortable in my new setting, I would go out with friends and submerge myself in the culture and meet locals. They were always welcoming and made it seem like I was just another Spanish girl hanging out in the group. I never felt out of place. The spanish are very warm and welcoming.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the dermatologist while study abroad and I had no issues. The staff was friendly and inviting and provided great care just as a doctor would in the USA.

* Safety:

I always felt safe!!! I never once thought I was in dangerous which I cannot always say for the Chicagoland area where I am from.

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)

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish II
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? Always speak spanish! Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Most likely they will understand you and it helps with building confidence when speaking your new language.

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?
  • Culture and atmosphere
  • A smaller learning setting
  • Great host family
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of any
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it goes by to quickly and to enjoy every second. Take every opportunity to travel everywhere!!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'