Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience NEVER to forget Past Review

By (New Jersey City University) - abroad from 01/19/2010 to 05/19/2010 with

International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Live, Laugh, Learn!

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.

I have never enjoyed learning so much. The amount of work, the projects and the reading materials were detailed, significant and easy to comprehend.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Excellent!!! They were always available when needed and always willing to help. I recall a time when I needed to go to the doc for an emergency and Gina helped me and made sure I got to a doc. Other than the obvious program info they also help with anything one may need. If they can, they will.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVE my house mother. The food, comfort level and hospitality were all two thumbs up!

* Food:

Let's just say if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. by far the best food I have tasted.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As stated before, when I had an issue it was taken care of. Great healthcare.

* Safety:

I always felt safe. Safer than in my own home city.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food, hardly any because my house mother made sure we were always fed even if we were going on class trips. She always made things easy for us.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't splurge on food. You will get the cultural food experience with your host family.

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

Always encouraged us.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Beginner.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to locals, listen to music and watch shows/movies. My roommate and I were hooked on a show and it was all in Spanish. :)

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Cultural Experience
  • Food
  • Courses
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How many more shoes I should have taken. Haha just kidding. I would say I wish I knew more about the culture before going.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.