Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worth it. Past Review

By (Wartburg College) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/10/2016 with

SSA Education Abroad: Seville - Semester, Year or Summer in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a greater perspective on the world while gaining a greater perspective on myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The difficulty definitely depends on your prior experience in Spanish, but you can also get as much out of each course as you want regardless of prior experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very nice, understanding, and fun people/

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I felt very fortunate to receive a host mother who was very caring and dedicated.

* Food:

My food at home was incredible. 11/10

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was very helpful with health issues.

* Safety:

The city is generally safe, but it has similar issues to any other big city. Girls should not be walking home by themselves at night. Period.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I chose this program because I felt I would like a smaller program's more personal touch and that's exactly what I got, and the personal care while abroad is invaluable.

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 could definitely get by cheaply when I wanted to. It'll tai some restraint sometimes.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average, $50 per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat as many meals at home as possible, you've already paid for them. Even if you just eat at home and meet people after, you won't spend as much if you've already eaten. Plan weekend trips several weeks in advance or you WILL overspend on transportation.

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 would say constant encouragement.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced level courses
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? Try as much as possible to speak spanish with your friends. Meet with your intercambio a lot. Talk with your host family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Personal
  • American students
  • Planned activities
* What could be improved?
  • I don't even know what to put here
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much one should pay for travel.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Society
Course Department:
Instructor: José Grillo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I felt the class was very enlightening in regards to a variety of topics of modern spanish society. I really learned a lot just because of how well the teacher was prepared.
Credit Transfer Issues: