Great Program in a Great City of Seville Past Review
By Judith Wong (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 02/01/2017 to 05/12/2017 with
International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville
I gained a deep understanding of Spanish history, a better facility with the Spanish language and several good friends I will remember forever.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program offers great courses, well-taught and interesting. Especially well suited for international relations majors |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Absolutely the best. The program does an excellent job of introducing students to Spanish culture, history and language. The events and excursions are well-planned and offer a diverse set of opportunities to understand Spain. I highly recommend this program as the best way to see the full spectrum of culture. I also recommend the Spring semester as it affords students the opportunity to witness and participate in two of Sevilla's most important festivals. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Local food was great. The cooking classes offered by the school offered an opportunity to take some of Spain's classic food ideas home with us. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
From the warm welcome of the staff and faculty to the dance lessons to the opportunities to play football with locals, every opportunity was made to integrate with local culture. Student experiences with home stays were highlights to living Spanish. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no personal experience with the healthcare system, but several of our students did and all found the assistance by staff, the treatment at clinics and availability of high quality care to be great. |
| * Safety: |
Seville is very safe. It is perfectly comfortable to be out late at night alone or with friends. It is far safer than any US city at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This is an exceptionally well planned program for cultural immersion. The caring attitude of the staff surrounds every aspect of the program. Seville itself is a beautiful city full of history, culture, art and excitement. Go in the spring to maximize the experience. You will love it. |
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) |
Seville is very affordable. It is cheaper to live in Seville than at home in the US. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | depended on whether I what activities I chose to do |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Many students found it easy, cheap and fun to buy clothes in Seville. European fashion at amazing prices. |
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 program encouraged, but did not force students to take language. I think the students who did take language classes really benefited from them. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 0 |
| 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? | Use the opportunity to absorb as much as possible. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | I wish I had more Spanish language before leaving but it is perfectly do-able even if you have none (as I did.) So, don't let the fact that you never studied Spanish keep you from this great experience. |
