Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad was a completion of my dream. Past Review

By (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 01/29/2015 to 05/08/2015 with

International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
All together, studying abroad was an invaluable and life changing experience that enhanced my academic goals as well as my appreciation for other languages, people, and cultures. It has given me the drive to develop more cultural knowledge and language skills in my future endeavors.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family! My host mother genuinely enjoyed hosting us and felt like a second mother. She cooked the best food and we had a set eating schedule so we never missed a meal unless we had field trips which she would pack us lunches!

* Food:

Although I don't preferably enjoy eating fish, I tried everything my host mother made and she would always ask if I liked it and if not she wouldn't make it again. She had hardy, delicious meals. I would never go hungry.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to attend the hospital once for an accident I encountered. The hospital was fast, efficient, and really cared about you.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in my neighborhood. Our neighborhood was tiny and very family oriented. Everyone knew each other and everyone was super friendly.

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)

Most of my money was spent on food, extracurricular activities, and traveling. I worked a lot and saved up specifically for studying abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It would always change depending on the week and what field trips, city visits, or individual traveling I did.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money wisely and try to work/save a lot before coming abroad. I tried to eat at home most of the time but I just wanted to try all the delicious food surrounding me.

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 102
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? Take a spanish class and communicated with your host family has much as possible. They love talking to you and helping you out in any way they can. Also try to sign up for an intercambio.

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
* 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?
  • The food
  • The friends
  • The traveling
* What could be improved?
  • The hours and length of classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a little bit more about the culture and I wish my spanish was at an intermediate level before coming.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.