The experience of Sevilla Past Review
By Mitzi H (Biology, Lewis-Clark State College) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
I didn't realize how much it changed me until I came home. I am much more independent now, and have a heightened sense of cultural awareness. I have a new desire to see and experience new things.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I felt that the whole education system was a lot more relaxed in Spain than in America. I still feel like I learned a ton in class, but it was in a different way. The professors were really great. As a student you could tell that they really wanted to you succeed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our ISA directors really made our experience all that it could be. They were incredible. Always there for us if we needed them. They put together activities for us to do and sent us weekly emails on things to do in the city. They were beyond great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my house family. They had everything I needed, such as sheets and cookware and everything. My mamá did my laundry and made me 2 meals a day. I was lucky enough to live 2 minutes from a metro station and a short walk to the heart of the city. I couldn't have asked for more. My family was very warm and inviting and I always felt comfortable around them. |
| * Food: |
Great Mediterranean diet. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
ISA took us on excursions around Spain and also to Portugal and Morocco. It was great to be able to experience other cultures outside of Sevilla. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never was in a situation where I felt extremely unsafe in Sevilla. It's a big enough city that you need to be aware of your surroundings and watch what you say and do. But it wasn't so big that there was a huge pickpocket problem or anything like that. I felt comfortable walking around the city late at night with friends. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke English when I hung out with my American friends, and some Spaniards knew some English. But most of the time when I was by myself or out in the city I would speak Spanish. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it. It's a great city and you'll see and experience things that you never would in the states. Students with any type of Spanish background, from none to fluent, would enjoy their time here. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intermediate Spanish |
| Course Department: | SPAN 201 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Super small class size which helped us get to know each other and feel comfortable in class. The professor was very creative with different activities for us each day |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. I made sure all my classes would transfer how I wanted them to before I left home. |
