Viva Espana Past Review
By Lena E (Geography and Spanish, New Mexico State University) for
Pablo de Olavide University: Seville - Multidisciplinary Studies Program
Studying abroad is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It is important to be globally aware especially as globalization increases. You learn a lot about yourself and others while abroad.
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. |
Grading scale is different in Europe. The transfer scale seemed appropriate. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people in the office are extremely friendly and helpful. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The university sets up your host family for you. It is very easy. Many families have had many students before. |
| * Food: |
My host family fed me well for every meal and would make me a sandwich if I was not going to be home to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Semana Santa and Feria in Seville are very interesting. I was very glad to be here during this time. Seville is a great city to go out at night and there are many nice places to hang out during the day. |
|
* 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Southern Spain is cheaper than other places and the rest of Europe. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Spanish was necessary in the home and during classes that were taught in Spanish. The program at UPO is full of students from the US so mostly English is spoken. UPO does try to encourage interactions with Spanish students with an intercambio program but the English speaking individual must put in a great effort to speak Spanish. |
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try your best to use every opportunity to speak Spanish. UPO is a great school but there are a lot of Americans. Don't let that stop you from learning the language. Seville is an awesome city. Spend your time exploring it. |
