Spring in Spain Past Review

By (Sociology., Cornell University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

University of Seville / Universidad de Sevilla: Seville - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile, learned a ton of Spanish, became more independent

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad de Sevilla
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.

The MCP program was well done, but the school in Sevilla had some problems, we ended class a month early because of a student strike and in one of my classes my professor only showed up 7 times

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Didn't try to talk to me, was like I was a boarder, not an exchange student

* Food:

Lots of fried food, not enough vegetables

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~30E
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy experiences, not clothes

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? Spanish 3110
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak with your friends in Spanish even if it feels weird, make friends and do intercambios

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Spain is wonderful, a great laid back atmosphere
  • Sevilla is a gorgeous city
  • Learned at the Spanish university and with our program
* What could be improved?
  • administration seemed out of touch with the university we were enrolled in
  • more support for taking advantage of the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Southern Spain is cold in the winter!