Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sevilla la Maravilla Past Review

By (Biology, Spanish, Northern Michigan University) - abroad from 01/14/2014 to 05/01/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better appreciation for language learning, to worry less, walk more, and be in the moment.

Review Photos

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain Photo ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain Photo

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.

I would have like to have had more options for courses with natives or at least with other international students instead of other Americans.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff were incredible! They were always extremely supportive in any issue that arose as well as very energetic. They loved showing us around their city and sharing in different cultural excursions. You never felt like an outsider because they wanted everyone to feel a part of the authentic Sevillan lifestyle.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I adored my host family. Every night we would sit down for dinner and watch Pasapalabra, a spanish game show. We spent night after night trying to guess the words in the rosco and would cheer on Paz, one of the contestants, as she continued to win day after day. It was such a fun experience and I truly felt part of the family.

* Food:

Churros con chocolate, café con leche, paella- what more could you want? All of it was wonderful!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved conversing with my language partners, teaching English to the natives, and truly feeling Sevillana!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $50 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for scholarships, use public transportation or walk as much as possible!

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? 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? SN 301- Advanced Spanish Grammar 1
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? Talk with anyone and everyone- the strawberry saleswoman at the market, the man selling newspapers- everyone! Don't be afraid to talk or practice, you will only get better that way.

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?
  • Host Family
  • Cultural Excursions
  • Classes Available
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to talk with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You won't have as many opportunities to take classes with locals so if you can, do it!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!