Going abroad? Go with ISA! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

The resident directors were outstanding. They planned cultural activities every week that helped us to learn more about Spain, and they always made sure that we knew that they were accessible if we had a problem. They were very interested in what we got out of our experiences abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the absolute BEST host family in Sevilla, no question. From Day 1, my host mom told my roommate and I that we were her "niñas," her daughters. Her house was our house, she said. Her children and grandchildren regularly visited, and we were included in family conversations and celebrations. We were free to come and go as we pleased, and we were encouraged to go out, meet people, get to know Sevilla, and travel around Europe. Our building was in the best neighborhood in Sevilla, and we were closer our university than students living in other neighborhoods. I simply can't say enough about my family. If I ever meet a student planning to study in Sevilla, I will not hesitate to tell them to request my host family.

I ate most of my meals with my host family, and I was not disappointed. We were served a variety of Spanish dishes, and our host mom always asked if we liked the meal -- if we didn't particularly like it (after trying it, of course), she wouldn't make it again. Not a day goes by that I don't miss the food I had in Spain!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The excursions were fantastic. We stayed in great hotels, and the planned tours made sure we didn't miss out on any of the "must-see" attractions of the cities we visited. Plus, the tours usually had one tour guide that spoke Spanish and one that spoke English for those with beginning Spanish skills. We had plenty of free time, and the directors gave us great advice on things to do that only locals know about.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never felt unsafe in Sevilla. Upon my return, I was speaking with a parent of a prospective student about safety, and I told her that I felt safer in my host country than in my city in the U.S. Obviously, the usual things apply -- don't walk around alone, be smart and aware, etc. -- but ISA prepares its students well at the on-site orientations and lets them know about any safety issues. Student safety is their number one concern. As for healthcare, I was lucky enough not to get sick while abroad, but I did accompany a friend to the hospital one day, and the staff was efficient and polite. The ISA fee includes medical insurance while abroad, and they go over what to do should a student need it. My friend had no problem at all.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Sevilla attracts a lot of tourists, so one can get by with English, but the Sevillaños prefer using Spanish. I also used Spanish in my classes and at home with my host family. In my opinion, the time spent speaking with my host family was the single most beneficial way to improve my language skills.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family