Study in Sevilla! Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language and Literature, University of Florida) - abroad from 05/07/2014 to 06/17/2014 with
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
I really gained a sense of independence while abroad and a better sense of self. There is a saying that goes "if you travel far enough, you'll find yourself" and I definitely learned more about me as an individual than every before. It's was the best 6 weeks of my life!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My classes were not overly difficult, or not nearly as difficult if they would have been if I took them at the University of Florida. There was homework, papers and exams like any normal course, but I still had plenty of time to explore the city and spend time with my classmates outside of school. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration with ISA is awesome! The staff is available 24/7 for whatever you may need! They are there to help you have the best experience possible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family which really helped my immerse myself in the Spanish culture and improve my language skills. The apartment I stayed in was in the city center which made it a prime location for getting to class and other great areas of the city. My host mother was a great cook and took care of the laundry weekly. She definitely went out of her way to make us feel welcome. |
| * Food: |
I love food and am not a picky eater so I had no problems with the food in Spain. My host mother was willing to work with me too, so if I did not particularly like a dish she would not make it again. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
When you're abroad for as short of a period as I was (6 weeks) it is really difficult to feel fully integrated with the local culture. However, staying with a host family really helps as does going out and exploring the city and meeting locals! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had a health issue that needed to be addressed during the program, but one of my classmates broke her toe quite badly and she had no problems getting the medical care and treatment she needed! And no vaccines are needed for Spain! |
| * Safety: |
I had never felt safer than I was in Spain! The main concern you really have to have is with pickpocketing, but as long as you stay smart about it you won't have a problem! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 really just depends on how much you want to spend. If you want to spend no money during the week that is totally doable, especially when living with a host family because all your meals are included in the overall program price. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
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 |
All of my instruction and classes were completed in Spanish and my host family did not speak any English, so I was constantly using Spanish to communicate. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The best way to improve your foreign language skills is to use your language skills! So put forth effort to speak in Spanish, watch Spanish TV and listen to Spanish music. Really immerse yourself in the language, you'll see improvement if you do! |
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 known how much I was going to love studying abroad in Sevilla! Had I known that I would have gone abroad for longer. |
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. |
