I learned a lot about myself and the world from studying in Sevilla, Spain. Past Review

By (International Business, University of Kentucky) - abroad from 08/14/2014 to 12/05/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to deal with uncertainty with confidence. There is a balance between what you should know and plan for and what you should leave open in order to fully live out your adventure. That is a balance you just have to practice.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Seville - International Studies, Business & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Seville - International Studies, Business & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Seville - International Studies, Business & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Seville - International Studies, Business & Spanish Language Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Seville - International Studies, Business & Spanish Language Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were interesting, not terribly challenging as long as you showed up and did the work. The teachers were helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They are all absolutely incredible!! Available, patient, and eager to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my house and the location, and my host mom was great. It was a little far from school, but the walk came to be very pleasant.

* Food:

My host mom's food was good, though not as creative as some of the other host families in the program. Still, spanish food is great, and tapa culture is wonderful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I certainly was no local, but were plenty of opportunities to put myself out there and experience life as a Sevillan.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't ever personally have to use it, but a few of my friends had to go to the doctor for some minor things and ISA arranged it where they were picked up at their house, taken to the doctor with a translator, and taken back home. It was super easy and convent for them.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe. you just have to be smart about what you do and where you are. A dark ally is a dark ally wherever you go. The biggest worry is pick pocking. You have to be aware of your things and how you draw attention to yourself.

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)

5 This of course depends on the person, but I personally had a fairly strict budget I tried to stick to so that I would have money with which to travel. That was pretty easy to do in Sevilla because all your meals are provided so you could get by spending as much or as little as you wanted. my typical weekly expenses were tapas and the occasional meal out with friends. Otherwise I focused my resources on travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 20 Euro a week, plus travel which depended on the country
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Write out what places you want to travel to early on as well as all your free weekends, and then get on Ryan Air and see which trips are cheapest when and book that way. Some weekends are randomly cheaper than others to certain countries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • the city
  • the ability to travel
  • the ISA Sevilla staff
* What could be improved?
  • ability to plan out own schedule
  • fewer night classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I was well prepared, and I liked learning as I went, so I don't think I would change anything except maybe the university in Sevilla I chose to attend. If I had it to do over again I would have chosen one of the other two instead of the ISA study center because they have local students, not just Americans studying abroad.

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!