JYS: I wish I could go back! Past Review
By Lindsey H (International Studies, Northwestern University) for
Sweet Briar College: JYS in Seville
My study abroad in Spain opened up a new passion for cultural exchange. I went on to study abroad again, and am now working abroad. I know at least five other members of my JYS class who are doing the same thing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
JYS gives you the chance to take their own classes, or direct enrollment through the Universidad de Sevilla. This means you have endless choices, and can choose easy or difficult classes based on your preferences and Spanish ability. JYS Professors are wonderful and knowledgeable, and the workload is not overwhelming, leaving you time to travel and explore Spanish culture. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I have never a met a more helpful staff, their office often was a hangout between classes. The program size is just right to get to know everyone well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was treated as a family member the whole time and was amazed at how included I felt in my new home. Everything is provided for you upon arrival, including laundry, internet, and meals. While my neighborhood was a bit far from the city center, Sevilla is easy to navigate and very safe. |
| * Food: |
Your host family provides most meals, which are usually good. If you are looking for other options, Sevilla has a great variety of restaurants and little cafes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Field trips were great! My favorite included a night at a beautiful beach resort. They take care of everything, and its a nice time to bound with your fellow JYSers. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
JYS is willing to help with the littlest of things, and I never felt unsafe or unsupported. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Living with a host family forces you to use Spanish everyday, and is a wonderful way to improve. JYS personally approves every family and takes into account your preferences, so you are almost guaranteed to be placed somewhere wonderful. Sevilla is a more immersive experience than Madrid or Barcelona, because fewer people speak English overall. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is best for a student who is dedicated to using Spanish in their daily life while abroad. |
