Studying Abroad in Sevilla -- Lifelong friends and incredible memories. Past Review
By Paola V (Communications Studies, University of California - Los Angeles) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
Studying abroad gave me a kind of freedom and independence that I was looking for. There were so many challenges I learned to overcome, and it prepared me for other challenges in the future. It opened my eyes to how great traveling and living abroad can be, and I've been lucky enough to do that again. It's a great adventure and I wish everyone could do it at least once. During college is the best time. My advice is to really absorb yourself into the host country, live with a family and see and do everything the country has to offer.
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. |
I loved the language classes, as well as the cinema class. Overall, it wasn't a very strict academic program, but it was a good experience overall. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really enjoyed the people in our program in Sevilla. They were super helpful, supportive, informative and very fun to be with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was welcomed like family by my host family. I really enjoyed them. The neighborhood was a little far out there, but not too bad. Easy to access by bus/taxi and during the day, it was fine to walk. |
| * Food: |
The food got a little repetitive after awhile, but it was fine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I remember our outings to local tapas bars and futbol games. The best was our trip to Morocco-- unforgettable. I'm so thankful they put that together, or else I never would have been able to manage a trip like that. It was amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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 practiced Spanish the most with my host family and the program advisors. I occasionally went on intercambios with local students, which helped too. |
| 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? | Just sign up, pack your bags and GO. Go anywhere. Just do it. I'm still in touch with, still traveling with, and still reminiscing with the same friends I met in Sevilla over 10 years ago. It definitely changed my life, and opened more doors to traveling and living abroad again in the future. |
