Sevilla Became My 2nd Home Past Review
By Stephanie C (International Business., Towson University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Sevilla, Spain
It made me grow as a person, and I developed a love for travel. Since I studied abroad, I've visited a handful of other countries and loved experiencing new cultures.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was manageable, and the grading system was pretty relaxed compared to at home. The teacher was very nice and knowledgeable since she was American yet had been living in Sevilla for nearly a decade. I would say it was a friendlier environment than back at home though. The ISA staff is amazing! You really do feel like a family there. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISA staff was always able and willing to help. They were so compassionate and understanding yet fun and knowledgeable. You could tell they were experienced professionals, and that they truly love their jobs. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our hotel was better than I expected. It had great facilities, and I was terribly sad to leave! The neighborhood was very safe, clean, and within walking distance of the city center, cultural exhibits, shops, and nightlife. The location was amazingly convenient! |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is some of the best in the world! But, beware that they eat a ton of pork, and beef cannot be easily found. Portions are also a lot smaller than what we're used to in the U.S. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would suggest taking a horse and carriage ride around the city at night. The view is amazing at night! Make sure to visit the cathedral and watch a bull fight too since that's such an important part of the culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Sevilla is very safe, but of course you should always be cautious and alert. In regards to healthcare, the ISA staff was very supportive when my friend was sick. A staff member took a taxi with her to the doctor and acted as her translator. I think that was very sweet because when you're sick, it's important to have someone there to take care of you, especially when you're away from home. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200; I loved to shop because there were things there that can't be easily found back at home. I think prices were pretty equal to the prices here. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Watch out for foreign transaction fees on your credit card. They're a small percentage, but they add up quickly when you're used to using a credit/debit card for everything instead of paying cash. It's always best to carry some local currency with you though instead of relying on plastic. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Someone open minded and adventurous would benefit most from this program. |
