Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New Country, New Me Past Review

By (Notre Dame of Maryland University) - abroad from 01/29/2017 to 04/29/2017 with

ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
For one thing, I learned how to navigate public transportation really well. I never had to use public transportation until I studied abroad, where it was an essential survival skill. I also learned how to be more confident in myself. Before studying abroad, I used to be very indecisive. However, after visiting different countries with different people, I learned to just make a decision and stick with it. Whichever option I chose would have been fun anyways. Studying abroad was definitely worth while. It changed my life in so many ways. I feel like an evolved version of myself now after studying abroad!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They knew who each student was and made sure each one of us was learning and adjusting to the Spanish culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family welcomed me as one of their own family members. I felt very comfortable and safe.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

The ISA did a great job of matching people up with roommates. Everyone became really good friends with their roommates. I also think that the program trips were well planned out. I felt I got a good feel for each city we visited. The program also did a good job of letting us know what activities we could do in our host city.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I enjoyed it when I used my money on experiences rather than objects or food.

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? Spanish 302 Advanced Spanish Conversation & Composition II
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use the language as much as you can! It's okay if people give you weird looks or if you don't speak perfectly because you are learning the language. You are not expected to speak like a native speaker.

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 friends I met
  • My Spanish professor and the ISA staff (They were very personable)
  • Interacting with the locals
* What could be improved?
  • The organization of the trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The other countries I wanted to visit. I did not really have a list or preference of other countries I wanted to visit while abroad. I was not even sure if I wanted to leave my host city. I was able to do some traveling, but I wish I had researched other countries before choosing certain places to visit.

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 Networker
An 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.