Would NOT recommend Spanish Studies Abroad! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I selected the program because it enabled me to take normal courses at the local university. The courses that I took at the University of Seville were great, and I'm so glad that I selected that option. However, the courses that offered through the program itself, which I also took, were terrible. The content was neither challenging nor engaging. My two-week advanced-level intensive Spanish course was neither intensive, nor focused on Spanish. I was extremely disappointed -- the courses at the SSA center often felt like a complete waste of time.

On-site administration of your program

Administration was often not receptive to students' needs.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My first housing placement was absolutely terrible, and many of my friends had similar experiences. After fighting extensively with the housing administrator at Spanish Studies Abroad I was able to switch to a different homestay -- but only after two months. My second homestay, however, was phenomenal. Nonetheless, negotiating housing with SSA was an extremely stressful process, which detracted from my experience abroad.

Spanish food is good, but my first host mother was a terrible cook (the meat was unidentifiable and she used no spices) and she was unwilling to provide me with vegetables, despite the housing agreement. Food in Spain is good, but much of it is either pork or heavily fried, or both.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I'm really glad that I took classes at the local university. My feelings of integration were not thanks to my program's efforts. I spent a lot of time just wandering around and experiencing things on my own.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any healthcare experiences while abroad.

I felt extremely safe everywhere in the city and would highly recommend Sevilla to anyone! I loved the city!

The administration of the program was terrible and extremely challenging to work with. They were not receptive to students' needs, and it often felt as though they were just trying to make money off of the students. My interactions with SSA stuff were sometimes demeaning. My courses with SSA were also extremely disappointing. That said, I loved Sevilla and my time in Spain that was unrelated to the program. I'm really glad that I took local courses at the university.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans

• That I could take courses at the local university

• Administration and receptiveness to students
• Spanish courses
• Excursions fun events for students in the program