JYS Seville: More Than I Expected Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The JYS program does a good job of preparing students for differences between American and Spanish universities. The workload is flexible based on what classes you choose and feel comfortable with and the schedule you want to keep. As with every other aspect of study abroad, the program gives you what you need, but it is up to you what you make of it.

On-site administration of your program

JYS support from the application process to departure is amazing. They will help you with every confusing aspect of the process. I personally got sick abroad and the staff and host family made sure I was taken care of as my own family would have. My expectations were exceeded.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everything by way of amenities was taken care of. My host family was very caring and interested in getting to know us and help us improve our Spanish. I lived about a 25 minute walk away from the university and 35 from the center of town, which was typical for most people but seemed far in the heat of Souther Spain. The neighborhood was safe and on walks with my senora I was introduced to many neighbors and local business owners. I would not have asked for a more ideal housing situation.

Surprisingly there was much more fried food than I was used to. All the meals were taken care of for us, but I wished I had eaten at local restaurants more frequently in order to get to know the area better. However, the food was generally very good. Having had three sons before my roommate and I arrived, our senora didn't seem to understand how we ate so little compared to them.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Group excursions around Andalucia seemed better during the fall semester because of weather, but friends who did spring semester undoubtedly had more cultural holidays during their term (Holy Week, Feria. etc).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt safer walking in Sevilla at night than I would in my university town. It is important that students follow instructions from the program-- there is no need to carry your passport or large amounts of money. Also, be aware of your surroundings. No one in our program experienced any violence although a few who were careless with their belongings (leaving them in the park for example) did get purses stolen. As for health care, I had to go to the doctor, which was challenging because of the language barrier and I would have preferred medicine I am used to from home so I would just recommend people are aware of that. For example, if someone knows they oftentimes need an inhaler when in a warm climate remember to bring that.

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

JYS encouraged only Spanish and in the office or on excursions with the group that was especially true. They also encouraged daily conversations with the host families through orientation exercises. None of the staff spoke English to us except for the head coordinator and only if it was absolutely necessary. By the end, my Spanish was so comfortable and nearly fluent professors and Spanish speaking friends from home could notice. Again, it is how much effort you put into it.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family