Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learn to observe and appreciate the differences in cultures. Past Review

By (English and International Studies, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

Pablo de Olavide University: Seville - Multidisciplinary Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an understanding and appreciation for a different language and culture. Yes it was completely worth while, and I loved my experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I paid for my meals and housing before I left. So I only had to manage extra spending money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For traveling, plan ahead because the later you plan the more expensive the trip will be.

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

I used Spanish every day with my host family.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 201
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Live with a host family or Spanish students. This is the best way to learn the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 organization of the classes and the program.
  • The staff planned trips around the region.
* What could be improved?
  • Many students went abroad with international programs and were not true exchange students. These programs planned a lot of their trips, and they already made a lot of friends before the program started. The true exchange students did not make as many friends because of this with all the international students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had know about the study abroad programs that a lot of the students were participating in, and know that many of the students would have a lot of their trips already planned for them.