Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had an amazing experience that taught me so much about myself and the world. Past Review

By (Spanish and Math, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

Pablo de Olavide University: Seville - Multidisciplinary Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad taught me so much. One example is that I gained a true appreciation for traveling. By going to so many places, it only made me want to go to that many more. It was so worthwhile, and I would recommend it to everyone.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was very welcoming and accommodating.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even though I lived with a host family, I still felt like it was hard to completely know the local culture since I was only there for 5 months.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt extremely safe.

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family as much as possible since you have already paid for those meals.

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? 312
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 city itself
  • My host family
  • Spanish-speaking country
* What could be improved?
  • More integration between internationals and local students
  • Less American students and more international students
  • Spanish students in our classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are days that are really tough. Although you will learn so much and love it all in the end, it won't always be easy. That's part of the learning though.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'