One of the best experiences of my life! Past Review
By A student (University of Hawaii - Manoa) - abroad from 01/28/2019 to 05/15/2019 with
International College of Seville / ICS: Study Abroad in Seville
I learned to adopt a healthier work-life balance ratio, and some things that I really appreciate about how Spain is operated as a country and what it values in life vs what America values as a country.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The professors were all very passionate about what they taught, and were able to understand the importance of learning through international exposure and did a good job of incorporating the weekend programming into the courses. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at ICS were all incredibly nice and helpful!! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living within walking distance to the school--being close to the old town and the park was amazing!! |
| * Food: |
I miss my host mom's cooking to this day. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since this is an American program, you are mostly spending time with other American students and speaking English, but being able to stay in a home-stay with a Spanish family was very helpful for feeling integrated! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roommate had to use the hospital services because she had a bad flu bug, and she was able to use the medical card she was given pretty seamlessly; however, she speaks Spanish fluently, which I believe it would be hard to navigate the hospitals without that skill. |
| * Safety: |
Sevilla felt VERY safe! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved living with a host family and traveling with the ICS program to other cities and doing the essential tourist checklist with the school. |
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) |
I spent more than I had expected because you are not allowed to have friends over in your homestay house, so whenever you want to study together or hang out you always have to go to cafes and spend money. Other than that, food is made for you everyday unless you travel on your own which is super nice! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a travel budget on how much you want to spend on total flight costs, restaurants, souvenirs, and activity costs like concerts. |
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 |
I took two Spanish classes so we spoke a lot in those, but during the program a lot of English is spoken. It is encouraged to try to speak, but realistically it is not spoken as often as I would have liked, because I normally don't speak in Spanish unless it is necessary. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 202 |
| 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? | Speak Spanish with everyone at ICS to practice!! Even if you're struggling! Speak Spanish with your host family and with people at bars and clubs--whenever and wherever 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
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The world is SO BIG! |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
