Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring in Sevilla through ISA Past Review

By (Psychology, Arizona State University) - abroad from 01/22/2014 to 05/24/2015 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of the greatest parts about going global is the process of becoming a more critical thinker and developing creative approaches to solving problems. The world really became my classroom. Navigating unfamiliar environments has most certainly been the greatest opportunity for personal growth that I have ever encountered.

Review Photos

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were always friendly and willing to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Staying with a host family was a fantastic experience.

* Food:

My host family provided 3 meals a day. My host mother was a fantastic chef!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family definitely increased my integration in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Sevilla is a safe city in general. My advice would always be to travel in pairs at night.

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)

Because I stayed with a host family, laundry services and meals were provided. Money should be budgeted for other traveling, or going out with friends.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10-20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend only carrying with you what you intend to spend.

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

The only thing I did not enjoy about this program was that I had classes with other international students. Although nice at times, I think it would have also been nice to take classes with locals.

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? Highschool credits, equivalent to SPA101
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? I would recommend trying to meet locals by going to different cultural festivities. It was nice to have an Intercambio!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions
  • English Conversation Assistant Options
  • How well organized it was
* What could be improved?
  • The opportunity to take classes with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that the exposure to language and consistently talking Spanish rapidly increases comprehension. I would love to go back and take more classes in Spanish.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.