Summer in Sevilla Past Review
By Kauryn Karmazinas (Parkland College) - abroad from 06/01/2017 to 07/01/2017 with
International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville
Not only did I gain a greater sense of independence, spontaneity, and appreciation of Spanish culture, but also several lifelong friends from both Sevilla and the states. It was absolutely worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Manageable coursework for a month-long program. Great staff & teachers! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ICS administration was truly amazing!!! They were always enthusiastic and willing to lend a hand. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was so lucky to have the living arrangements I did. I was totally comfortable, it was a true home away from home--all thanks to my wonderful host mother! |
| * Food: |
My host mother prepared the most delicious Spanish meals. Each day it was something new and authentic. I was never disappointed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The clubs & tapas bars were great for immersion in the local culture. I wish I could have stayed longer! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have a health issue to be addressed.. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe more times than not, especially in Sevilla. My advice would be to use the buddy system, be alert of your surroundings, and of course, be respectful of the culture to avoid any mishaps. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Choosing to study in Sevilla was truly one of the best decisions I have made for myself! It was an unforgettable experience thanks to the amazing ICS faculty, students, and locals that welcomed me from the very start. I would do it all over again if I could. |
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) |
It was easy especially because food is included in the home stay. I would recommended creating a weekly budget before arriving. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 20 dollars or less |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy snacks in the store and take them with you to school/weekend excursions. Split shampoo/conditioner costs with your roommates (use won't use a whole bottle anyway), have an idea of what you want to experience before you go so you don't spend too randomly. Most of my spending money went to club entry fees, drinks, and souvenirs. |
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 |
I spoke Spanish in the home, street, bar, or gym every day! |
| 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 3 in high school |
| 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? | Quizlet for vocab, Spanish music/TV, Spanish repetition videos on YouTube |
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? | A computer is more or less required. Don't forget its charger! Books are provided via pen drive. Printing at the school may cost depending on how many pages. Time goes twice as fast when you're abroad! Enjoy every second. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
