Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing Experience Past Review

By (Mount Holyoke College) - abroad from 08/15/1995 to 06/01/1996 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 better understanding of the world around me, in terms of history and culture. I became more confident and independent.

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.

I studied with this program (called CC-CS back then) in the mid-90s and it was a life-changing experience. Sevilla is a beautiful city and I am so glad I chose it. One of the benefits of this program is the quality of education. Our professors were top-notch and the classes were only in Spanish. In addition to other topics, we had classes on local colloquialisms and history, and we took field trips to put the local history in perspective. I wasn't able to return to Spain until a few years ago, but when I did, I was able to pick up again with the language. I know that a big part of this was the school's "Spanish-only" policy. I was also able to meet up with one of the professors, who remembered me and my friends, and it was fantastic to catch up with him. I also made life-long friends through the program, and not only with other Americans. One of my roommates was a French student studying in Seville. She and I have visited her and stay in frequent contact. I know I was in this program a long time ago, but it still stays with me. Although I am sure that there have been changes since I was there, I am confident that it has retained its stature as a high-quality program. I urge to you consider Spanish Studies Abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I was a vegetarian, and probably more picky than I should have been, so I wasn't overly enthusiastic about the food. It depends on the family you live with, though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get a root canal while I was living in Spain. I was really nervous about it, but the program did a great job of finding me a dentist and making sure that I was taken care of.

* Safety:

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

From the professors and classes to the school building to the location and the people, I would not have chosen anything else.

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? not relevant

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? College Spanish Literature
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • Classes
  • Location
  • Faculty and administration
* What could be improved?
  • I might have preferred to live in an apartment rather than with a host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm really not sure. So much of it had to be learned while I was there.

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!