great way to learn about a new culture and see the world through different eyes Past Review
By A student (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 09/07/2011 to 05/18/2011 with
International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville
Yes, very worthwhile. I improved my language skills and met some great friends.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Amazing host family. They helped out when they could and we're very understanding. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The only way to really get integrated with the culture is to go out and meet Spaniards. One good way is signing up for the intercambio program at the school. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only went once to the dentist but never to the doctor. |
| * Safety: |
A very, very safe and calm city. I've never had any problem walking around alone, even at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Since everything is included in the program (food, housing, etc). All of the 'extra' things I wanted to do weren't at all expensive. Spain is a pretty cheap country. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $15-$25 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The most important way to practice a language is to mix with local culture. This is something you have to do on your own. |
| 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? | Spanish 351 |
| 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? | Meet locals |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That its really important to not just make American friends. It's important to make local friends too. |
