Unforgettable times in Sevilla, Espana Past Review
By Betsy K (Biology, General., University of Hartford) for
SSA Education Abroad: Seville - Semester, Year or Summer in Seville
Yes it was definitely a worthwhile experience and I would do it again if I had the chance. Studying abroad has taught me a lot about Spanish culture and lifestyle. One day I do plan to go back and visit.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty and staff of the program in Spain were very helpful and knowledgeable about most things. They were a bit disorganized but they were very friendly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was a wealthy area and very safe. The apartment was about 25 mins (walking distance) away from the center of town were the Center is located. All household items were provided (sheets, towels, etc). The only things I bought for home were snack foods. My host parents were wonderful and has had lots of experience hosting students so it was a comfortable environment. |
| * Food: |
Three meals were provided by my host mom and all were home cooked. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of the excursions were great! I learned a lot and it was fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Sevilla is just like any other city. It's one of the least dangerous in Spain but you should always be cautious. A lot of people walk so people are out on the streets at all hours but just be careful walking at night and it's best to not act/look so much like a tourist. Health wise I had no issues and no specific vaccines were required. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's always good to have extra money. Even if you dont, there are ATM machines everywhere. Depending on what type of activities you do, you can budget a small of amount of money easily. If you like to go out a lot to bars and clubs then you should bring extra money because going out a few nights a week, every week can get pricey especially with transportation costs too. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish with everyone. The program had a Spanish only contract in which only Spanish may be spoken in the building. All the students spoke English and the teachers and staff knew English as well but Spanish was encouraged to be spoken and in classes only Spanish was used. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be afraid to speak to other people. The Spaniards in Sevilla are open and friendly people and most are happy and willing to talk/help. This program would benefit those who really want to improve their Spanish. The Spanish only policy is really helpful for keeping one constantly talking and even start thinking in Spanish. |
